Dr. Kalil: Lifestyle has an impact on arrhythmias, says cardiologist

On CNN Vital Signs this Saturday (02), Denise Hachul, cardiologist at the Heart Institute (InCor) at the Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (HCFMUSP), and Francisco Darrieux, doctor responsible for the Cardiac Arrhythmia Outpatient Clinic at InCor - HCFMUSP, talk about cardiac arrhythmia.

Lifestyle plays a fundamental role in the development and control of cardiac arrhythmias, as Darrieux explains. The relationship between daily habits and heart health involves both physical and mental aspects.

According to the expert, mental health has a significant influence on arrhythmias. People who experience anxiety, panic attacks, or periods of intense emotional stress may experience palpitations. While not all palpitations necessarily indicate arrhythmia, they are one of the main symptoms of heart rhythm disturbances.

The paradox of physical activity

A sedentary lifestyle is considered detrimental to heart health. Regular exercise helps train the autonomic nervous system, improving the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, which are responsible for controlling heart rate.

However, there is an important paradox: excessive physical activity, especially when performed without proper professional guidance, can increase the risk of developing arrhythmias. Darrieux emphasizes that people who strive for high performance without the guidance of specialized professionals may expose themselves to unnecessary risks.

The recommendation is to maintain a routine of moderate and regular exercise, always with appropriate guidance, avoiding both a sedentary lifestyle and excessive physical activity, to preserve heart health.