What is an arrhythmia?
An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat caused by problems with the electrical impulses that control the heartbeat. This can cause the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slowly (bradycardia), too fast (extrasystoles), or irregularly (fibrillation). Arrhythmia affects 1.5-5% of people.
Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others can interfere with blood flow and damage vital organs such as the brain, lungs, and heart. Without treatment, severe arrhythmias can be life-threatening. Although many arrhythmias are harmless, some can interfere with blood flow and damage the brain, lungs, heart, and other vital organs. Certain arrhythmias can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Types of Arrhythmias
They are classified by their frequency (too fast or too slow), their cause (ventricular or atrial), and their regularity. The most common types are:
- Bradycardia: Slow heart rate (100 beats per minute).
- Ventricular arrhythmia: Begins in the ventricles.
- Supraventricular arrhythmia: begins above the ventricles.
- Premature heartbeat: Extra heartbeat.
What causes arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia can have various causes. As you get older, your heart’s electrical system may stop working properly. Heart problems, such as clogged arteries, valve problems, or birth defects, can prevent the heart from beating. High blood pressure puts additional strain on the heart and causes arrhythmias.
Excessive intake of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and drugs can also cause arrhythmias. Some medications and herbal supplements can interfere with heart signals. Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid disease, can also cause arrhythmias. Understanding these causes can help doctors diagnose and treat arrhythmias, leading to improved heart health.
What are the Symptoms of Cardiac Arrhythmia?
You may not notice any symptoms, but common signs include feeling your heart skipping beats, pounding in your chest, and a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat. Regular heartbeat, chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting, and fatigue. If you have severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
The Diagnosis Process
To diagnose a cardiac arrhythmia, a doctor must identify the irregular heartbeat and determine its cause. You will be asked about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol use. A physical exam will check your heart rate, pulse, and blood pressure, listen for a heart murmur, and look for signs of fluid accumulation. Your doctor may also recommend:
- Blood and urine tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Holter electrocardiogram, a wearable device that records your heart rhythm
- Tracks your heart’s electrical activity Electrophysiology study to measure
- Tilt table test to see if a sudden drop in blood pressure or heart rate is causing the problem.
- Genetic testing in some cases.
- Cardiac imaging (such as CT or MRI scan)
What are the Complications & Risk Factors?
Some people with heart rhythm problems may not have symptoms, but treatment is important to prevent life-threatening complications such as stroke and heart failure.
- Stroke: In atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), the heart doesn’t pump properly, causing blood to pool and clots to form. If a blood clot travels to the brain, it can block arteries and cause a stroke, which can cause brain damage and require emergency treatment.
- Heart Failure: Continued tachycardia (fast heartbeat) or bradycardia (slow heartbeat) can lead to heart failure. Where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body. Treatment usually improves this condition.
- Heart Attack: A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is cut off and heart cells die from lack of oxygen. This can lead to cardiac arrest.
- Cardiac Arrest: Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops working, cutting off blood flow to the brain and other organs. If not treated immediately, damage will occur within minutes due to lack of oxygen.
What are the treatments for Arrhythmia?
In some cases, your doctor may monitor your heart rhythm without providing treatment. However, treatment is required if you have an underlying medical condition, are at risk for complications, or have severe symptoms. Various arrhythmias require special treatment.
Tachycardia Treatment
- Vagal or Valsalva Maneuver: Exercises that can stop certain types of arrhythmias.
- Medicine: Reduces the frequency of episodes or promotes proper electrical conduction.
- Electrical cardioversion: Electric shock or medication to restore heart rhythm.
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): A device located near your left collarbone that monitors your heart’s rhythm and corrects it if necessary.
- Labyrinth Surgery and Cardiac Ablation: A procedure in which a scar is created in the heart to conduct electrical impulses to improve the heart’s performance.
- Aneurysm Surgery: Corrects aneurysms that cause arrhythmia.
- Heart Bypass Surgery: Grafting a blood vessel to bypass a narrowed coronary artery. This improves blood supply.
Treatment of bradycardia
- Intravenous atropine: Used when tests show that blood pressure is unstable.
- Warming: Required in case of bradycardia due to hypothermia.
- Treatment of underlying conditions: Treat heart problems or other conditions.
- Cardiac Pacemaker Implantation: A device placed under the skin to regulate the rhythm of the heart using electrical impulses.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Treatment – Lifestyle Measures: Physical activity, heart-healthy diet, smoking cessation, alcohol avoidance, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress.
- Drugs: Beta-blockers, anticoagulants, or calcium channel blockers (as prescribed).
- Procedure: Cardioversion or pacemaker placement.
- Heart surgery: options include catheter ablation or closure of part of the heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main causes of cardiac arrhythmias?
Are arrhythmias serious?
What are the warning signs of an arrhythmia?
Sum up,
Understanding arrhythmias is very important to maintain a healthy heart. This condition is caused by irregular electrical signals and can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others are serious. Recognizing the symptoms, making the correct diagnosis, and finding the cause are important steps in treatment. If you think you have a heart rhythm disorder, be sure to see your doctor for proper care and treatment.
