An arrhythmia describes a problem with the rate or rhythm of a person’s heartbeat. An individual may be diagnosed with an arrhythmia if their heart beats too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or with an irregular rhythm. Possible arrhythmia symptoms include fainting, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, chest discomfort and fatigue. While some arrhythmias are harmless, some can be life-threatening, as the condition may prevent the heart from pumping enough blood to the rest of the body. Unlike other acid concentrate products used in dialysis, GranuFlo – a dry acid concentrate – uses an active ingredient that converts to bicarbonate at higher rates than other products. Unfortunately, it has been found that elevated bicarbonate levels can contribute to the development of hemodialysis metabolic alkalosis, a major risk factor for cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, heart attack and other serious heart problems.
Proper treatment for an arrhythmia depends on the type and severity of the condition. While some people with arrhythmias require no treatment, others may require medication, lifestyle changes and possibly even surgical procedures to repair the condition. In some cases, a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be used to promote normal heart rhythms, or heart surgery may be required if heart disease is causing the arrhythmia. The prognosis for an arrhythmia depends on a number of factors, including the patient’s health, the severity of the condition and the overall pumping ability of the heart.
Cardiac arrhythmias can be extremely dangerous and the condition often requires extensive medical care to restore the heart’s normal rhythm. Unfortunately, as with any serious medical condition, seeking proper treatment for a heart arrhythmia can result in costly medical bills, possibly leading to an overwhelming financial burden for victims and their families. If you experienced a heart arrhythmia while taking the dialysis drug GranuFlo, contact an experienced GranuFlo lawyer to discuss your legal options. You may have grounds to file a GranuFlo lawsuit against FMC, in order to pursue financial compensation for your injuries, medical expenses and other damages associated with your condition. No pharmaceutical drug should cause patients serious harm. With the help of our skilled GranuFlo attorneys, victims of cardiac arrhythmia side effects can protect their legal rights and seek fair and timely reimbursement for their injuries.
