An arrhythmia can affect your life in many ways, from your ability to drive to daily lifestyle changes. Our blog discusses the impact of your condition and how you might proceed. 

Receiving an arrhythmia diagnosis

Before your diagnosis, you may have had a series of tests, including an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, electrophysiology study (EP study), and a long-term recording device, such as a Holter monitor or implantable loop recorder

Experiencing an arrhythmia can be scary, but you may be grateful to have a diagnosis and learn how to prevent an episode. Read our blog to discover more about the diagnostic process: How can you tell if you have a heart rhythm disorder? 

How long does it last?

How long it lasts depends on the person and their arrhythmia type. An arrhythmia may last seconds, minutes, hours or days. Some people have specific triggers for their arrhythmia that they can manage by avoiding the trigger.  

Others experience permanent or frequent symptoms that require treatment, such as medications or an ablation procedure. A persistent episode may last for years. You can discuss your circumstances with our specialist, and they can advise on the best treatment to counter your symptoms. 

Driving

Specific symptoms, such as fainting, can put you at risk of injuring yourself or others while driving. Then again, some people experience no symptoms with their condition and are unlikely to have issues on the road. Our specialist can help determine how safe you are to drive. 

Factors we consider include: 

• Your arrhythmia type 

• The severity of your condition and symptoms 
• Which treatment you receive, and how you respond to it 

With treatment, you may be able to drive safely. However, you must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if your condition might affect your driving. Learn more about that here: Arrhythmia and driving. If you have insurance, you should also let your insurance company know. 

At work

An arrhythmia can affect your work life if you usually operate machinery or work at a height, for example, using a ladder. You may need to stop working until you can receive treatment to manage your condition. Our specialist will answer any questions regarding how safe you will be at work. 

Some employers may specify that you cannot do specific jobs if your heart rhythm disorder affects your safety. If you are not at risk and feel uncomfortable doing so, you do not need to tell your employer about your condition. However, your workplace can make reasonable adjustments, which may help you manage better. The British Heart Foundation provides more advice on this here: Work and a heart condition. 

You might need time off work to recover after treatment, such as ablation. Recovery can take from a couple of days to a few months. It depends on how you respond to treatment. Most people can go back to work after a few days. 

Going on holiday

Consider where the best place to visit is with your condition. Some people find that hot or cold temperatures trigger an episode; ensure you prepare for the weather of your destination.  

High altitudes can affect some heart rhythm disorders and even cause arrhythmias in healthy people. You may need to avoid staying on or travelling up a mountain or similarly high location. Speak to your GP or our specialist before your holiday to receive tailored advice about your capabilities. 

Unless told otherwise, you should take your medications as usual if you travel through time zones. Also, make sure you pack enough medication to last your entire trip. Depending on the length of your stay, you might need to ask for more than usual. It may help to wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace that highlights your condition and emergency medications. 

Can you fly with an arrhythmia?

You can fly if your condition is stable, or you are experiencing no symptoms. During your flight, you should drink plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of uncomfortable symptoms triggered by increased cabin pressure. Remember, let the airport staff know if you have a pacemaker or ICD before stepping through the scanners. 

Mental health impact

Living with a long-term condition can affect your mental health. Arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, have been shown to increase the risk of high stress levels, anxiety and depression. Stress or anxiety may also trigger an episode. Managing your mental health is just as important as managing your physical health. 

Methods of improving your mental health include: 

• Progressive muscle relaxation 

• Dealing with any sleeping problems 
• Spending time with your loved ones 
• Exercising regularly within your limits 
• Relaxation techniques, such as yoga, massage and deep breathing 
• Other therapies, such as talking therapy, aromatherapy, music and art therapy 

Some people feel lonely with a heart condition, often when they are first diagnosed, as they can feel like they are the only one. Joining a support group may help you feel less lonely as you’ll meet others like you that you can relate to. They may also provide advice on how they manage various aspects of their condition, such as avoiding certain triggers.  

For further tips on adjusting to your condition, read our blog: Lifestyle changes to help manage arrhythmia. 

Private tests and treatment

At the London Heart Clinic, we understand that an arrhythmia diagnosis can impact every aspect of your life. Our Heart Rhythm Specialist, Dr Syed Ahsan, offers private tests to diagnose and monitor your condition so you can manage it effectively.  

We also provide expert advice and treatments such as ablation and inserting a pacemaker or ICD. Book an appointment to discuss your condition and form a personalized treatment plan with our specialist.