Cardiac arrhythmia Sudden cardiac arrest possible even in young people

Many vulnerable people know nothing about their risk of cardiac arrhythmias
Even young people can develop life-threatening heart problems. "Again and again, young, seemingly healthy people suddenly suffer severe cardiac arrhythmia - often with fatal outcome," said the warning of the University Hospital Freiburg. Many vulnerable people are not aware of the risk.

The risk of hereditary cardiac arrhythmias is estimated at 50,000 to 100,000 people in Germany, but many know nothing about the danger, the experts at the University of Freiburg report. "Those affected often only experience their risk when they or a parent survive a severe heart rhythm disorder," explains cardiologist Prof. Dr. med. Katja Odening from the Department of Cardiology and Angiology I of the University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen. However, early intervention would significantly reduce the risk.

Many young people have an inherited risk of cardiac arrhythmia but are not aware of the danger. (Image: staras / fotolia.com)

Stress, sports and soagar the alarm clock can trigger heart arrhythmia
According to Prof. Odening, various factors can trigger cardiac arrhythmia among those at risk. "Work stress, competitive sports and even the alarm of the alarm clock can lead to a life-threatening situation," explains the head of the "Special Outpatient Clinic for Congenital Arrhythmogenic Diseases" in Freiburg. In addition, the hormonal status may play a role in certain diseases. For example, boys have a particularly high risk of potentially fatal arrhythmias in pre-adolescent long-QT syndrome, whereas girls develop during or after puberty. This goes back to the fact that the female hormone estrogen promotes arrhythmia, while testosterone is rather inhibitory, the Freiburg University Hospital reports of the results of the research team led by Professor Odening. In some cases, the use of antibiotics and other medicines may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.

ECG main diagnostic tool
Survivors Affected by the severe - also known as ventricular fibrillation - cardiac arrhythmia, follow in the Freiburg Special Outpatient Clinical Examination for hereditary causes of arrhythmia. "The most important tool for this is the electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the heart activity," reports the University Hospital. By taking measurements at rest, while cycling and over a period of 24 hours, the heart function is determined. Complex genetic analyzes have also been part of standard diagnostics at the University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen for some time now.

Avoid potential triggers
"In addition, we are currently investigating whether changes in the electrical or mechanical properties of the heart provide further evidence of the risk of arrhythmias in these congenital diseases," says cardiologist Prof. Odening. In the treatment, an individual focus on the particular disease is provided. An essential part of the treatment is that sufferers avoid specific potential triggers for their illness, such as competitive sports, physical stress, fever or excessive alcohol. Also, in certain cases, drugs such as certain antibiotics are taboo. Regular cardiological checks should indicate a worsening of the situation early on.

Further treatment options
If the precautionary measures are not sufficient, the implantation of a so-called defibrillator may be required, which ends the ventricular fibrillation by a short electrical shock, according to the University of Freiburg. Until recently, beta-blockers have also been used as anti-arrhythmic drugs in some of the congenital rhythmic disorders. "However, as the latest research results show, only a part of those affected seem to have enough, depending on their genetic profile," reports the Freiburg University Hospital.

Individually adapted therapy plans
In view of the limited medical treatment options, the team headed by Prof. Odening is also looking for alternatives, such as the gender-specific treatment of hormone-controlled cardiac arrhythmias. "For each patient, we individually assess which diagnostics could be valuable and then agree on the treatment plan," emphasizes the cardiologist. If there is a suspicion of a congenital heart rhythm disorder, those affected may present themselves in the "Ambulance for Congenital Arrhythmogenic Diseases" of the UHZ. (Fp)