The most common cause of dangerous arrhythmias is a heart attack
, which results from heart disease. Prevention of arrhythmias is
mostly a matter of reducing your risk of heart disease and then
preventing subsequent rhythm disturbances if you survive the
first one. However, there are a few measures that specifically
influence your risk of arrhythmias. Stress may raise your risk
of arrhythmias if you have predisposing factors. If you need
support or assistance in reducing stress, you may want to try
some of the following techniques: - Stress management classes -
Relaxation techniques Ask your doctor or pharmacist what effect
your medications will have on heart rhythm. If you are
predisposed to arrhythmias, ask about substitutes for the drugs
that can precipitate an abnormal rhythm. Be particularly wary
of: - Diet pills - Certain heart medicines - Asthma medicines -
Psychoactive medicines (eg, antidepressants) - Thyroid
replacement - Cough and cold medicines Avoid illegal drugs,
especially cocaine, methedrine,