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Does Asbestos Exposure Cause Arrhythmia?

Posted on Thu, 23 Jul 2015

Question: Can long exposure to dioxins such as asbestos or agent orange cause arrhythmia:

Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There are possibilities of developing arrhythmia

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir,

Asbestos can cause arrhythmias by acting on heart directly as toxin, and also it affects lung, and chronic lung diseases can cause arrhythmias.

Hope I could help you

Wishing you good health

In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (2 days later)

While I was on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1966 I was exposed to several toxic chemicals over prolong periods of time. Trichloroethylene, Asbestos, Agent Orange. Is it possible that I could experience arrhythmias later in life, say 10 or 20 years later, could happen requiring a pacemaker?

Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome back

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir,

Heart blocks and arrhythmias are not common side effects of dioxin exposure. Anyway caution should be taken when there is progressive bradycardia or heart block. In case of atrial fibrillation, it can be related to other conditions. If there is an underlying lung disease, arterial hypertension, they can be the predisposing conditions for atrial fibrillation.

Regards,

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar