Expert warns: Sudden heart rhythm disorders can lead directly to death

Cardiology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mesut Aydın stated that rhythm disorders can occur in every age group. Noting that most of these are harmless, Dr. Aydın explained that rhythm disorders can manifest as palpitations, shortness of breath, or chest pain, but can also present as fainting, and in very rare cases, can even lead directly to the person's death.

Stating that early detection, diagnosis, and subsequent treatment tailored to the specific type of rhythm disorder are very important, Dr. Aydın said, "Rhythm disorders usually start suddenly, continue for a certain period, and end suddenly. Sometimes, they do not resolve without intervention. What is important in a rhythm disorder is the intensity of the patient's symptoms during the episode and the type of the rhythm disorder."

Emphasizing that early diagnosis is critical in rhythm disorders, Dr. Aydın continued:
"A person experiencing palpitations should apply to the cardiology department of a hospital. The necessary diagnosis must be made by taking an ECG, and sometimes by using 24-hour monitoring devices. Despite all this, the rhythm disorder in people with palpitations may sometimes not be detected even with a 24-hour ECG. In such cases, it can be diagnosed with what we call an electrophysiological study (EPS), and treatment can also be performed during this procedure. Most rhythm disorders can be corrected with medication. A significant portion of palpitations can also be treated with ablation therapy, which we call burning treatment."

"RHYTHM DISORDERS AT A YOUNG AGE..."

Noting that when patients have rhythm disorders, especially in advanced age or sometimes at a young age, they are treated by implanting a pacemaker, Dr. Aydın said, "An important reason for implanting a pacemaker is that it can treat rhythm disorders that cause sudden death by delivering a shock. Some rhythm disorders do not manifest as palpitations, but as a drop in pulse. In this type of rhythm disorder, the person usually faints. In such cases, it is necessary to implant a pacemaker that increases the heart rate. Pacemaker checks should be performed routinely every month or every three months."