A report on someone who lives with an arrhythmia
Arrhythmia is a cardiovascular condition whereby the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat are abnormal, either too fast or too slow. The person I am interviewing suffers from tachycardia, an arrhythmia that causes an irregularly rapid heartbeat. Hudson is a 25-year-old male living with a chronic cardiovascular illness called an arrhythmia since he was 18 years old.
- What condition do you have and how long have you had it?
Hudson has lived with tachycardia for seven years. Whenever his heart beats irregularly fast, he experiences chest pains and shortness of breath. A condition that has forced him to use a pacemaker.
- What are the main symptoms you experience?
The initial symptoms were the heart beating at an abnormally fast pace, which would cause chest pains and shortness of breath.
- How does your condition affect or impact your life?
- How does it impact your job, family or social life?
Hudson claims that neither his job nor family nor social life has been affected by his condition. As long as he takes the prescribed medicine, he lives a healthy life. His family is not affected because he rarely experiences chest pains because he takes his medication religiously. He goes to a regular office job where he performs his duties efficiently. Hudson also maintains a healthy social life and only avoids activities that can trigger his condition.
- How does it impact the quality of life?
For Hudson, the quality of life has improved because, as opposed to before, he undergoes regular medical check-ups to detect any risks. He eats a heart-healthy diet, something his body has adapted.
- How does it limit the activities you can do?
The only activity that Hudson avoids is vigorous exercises. Therefore, he does not participate in the physical activities he used to enjoy, such as playing football. However, he has replaced such activities with other exercises like cycling and jogging.
- Do you have ongoing pain?
At present, Hudson does not have any ongoing pain because he takes his medicine religiously.
- Do you manage your condition?
- Do you see a health service provider regularly?
Hudson sees one healthcare provider monthly, a routine he has maintained for the last seven years.
- Do you see several different healthcare providers?
Hudson only changes a healthcare provider whenever he travels for business, but he never misses his monthly appointment.
- Do you have ongoing treatment?
At present, the only treatment Hudson uses is the prescribed medicine, and his pacemaker to monitor the speed of his heartbeat.
- Are you satisfied with your healthcare?
Hudson also claims that he is satisfied with his healthcare provider because apart from medicinal treatment, the healthcare provider also advises him on lifestyle routines to ease his condition.
- Do you take prescriptions or medication?
Hudson takes prescribed medicine which prevents an arrhythmia from developing to heart failure.
- Do you have to make lifestyle changes because of your condition?
Yes. Hudson changed his diet and avoided alcohol, caffeine and food rich in cholesterol. Also, he avoids vigorous activities.
- Are you adherent to your treatment regimens? What factors influence your adherence?
Hudson is adherent to his treatment regime because he desires to live a healthy life. According to Hudson, his family influences his adherence because of their support and concern.
- How do you cope with your condition?
- Do you use relaxation techniques or stress management?
Since he is required to control his pulse rate, Hudson goes to yoga classes as a means of relaxation. Relaxation is a critical factor to a healthy heart and Hudson takes his yoga sessions seriously. Hudson also goes for morning runs to get regular exercise as prescribed by his doctor.
- Do you use distractions as a way to cope with your condition?
Hudson claims that he came to terms with his condition. Therefore, he does not need to use distractions because he things using distractions is a way of denial.
- How do you cope with your pain experience?
Due to his prescribed medicine, Hudson does not suffer from chest pains anymore.
5) Does your condition affect your family or friends in any way? If so, how?
Hudson says that although his condition does not affect his family and friends, they have been supportive throughout the seven years. When Hudson was diagnosed, his parents were worried that the condition would develop into a heart attack or stroke. However, seeing that medication improved his health, his parents are no longer worried about his health, but they call him every month to remind him of his monthly check-ups. His wife accompanies his to his morning runs to keep him company as he exercises. His friends are also supportive, and they encourage him to eat a heart-healthy diet.
- How do they cope with your condition?
Since Hudson takes charge of his health management, his family and friends have had an easy time coping with his condition. However, they are always supportive and caring.