Significance of Arrhythmias in Middle Life

Abstract

Arrhythmias are quite common in middle age. Most often encountered are atrial and ventricular premature beats and atrial fibrillation. Therapy includes use of drugs and mechanical and electric devices. Treatment of premature beats is indicated if they occur with great frequency or if they produce anxiety in the patient. Atrial fibrillation, because of its great frequency in patients with heart failure and myocardial disease, may be considered the most important of the arrhythmias. For treatment digitalis is the drug of choice.

Part 2 will consider paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, and arrhythmias with slow heart rates.