“Is drug therapy for arrhythmia safe?”
I'm 30 years old and I was recently diagnosed with arrhythmia. I would like to know as much information as possible. Is drug therapy for arrhythmia safe?
2 Answers
It depends where the arrhythmia is originating, from the top of the heart chambers (atria) or from the lower chambers (ventricles). Arrhythmias arising from the atria are usually much more benign and treatable than arrhythmias arising from the ventricles. It also depends on the underlying condition of the heart. The more severe the underlying heart condition is, the more dangerous the arrhythmias are. There are several medications that are safe and effective in treating atrial arrhythmias. Ventricular arrhythmias are more serious and harder to treat. Drug therapy in this setting is not as safe. Medications particularly in ventricular arrhythmias may make the arrhythmias worse. It is the responsibility of the prescribing doctor to prescribe those medications that are safe and carry little risk of harm.
It is not safe for long term basis. But it helps until next step is taken like Ablation. That is probably better treatment when compared to medical management.
