Heart arrhythmias

Other names: Arrhythmia, Dysrhythmias

DEFINITION

Heart rhythm problems (Heart arrhythmias) occur when the electrical impulses that coordinate your heartbeats don't work properly, causing your heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Heart arrhythmias may feel like a fluttering or racing heart and may be harmless. However, some Heart arrhythmias may cause bothersome — sometimes even life-threatening — signs and symptoms. Heart arrhythmia treatment can often control or eliminate fast or irregular heartbeats.

SYMPTOMS

Arrhythmias may not cause any signs or symptoms. Noticeable signs and symptoms may include:

• A fluttering in your chest
• A racing heartbeat (Tachycardia)
• A slow heartbeat (Bradycardia)
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Fainting (Syncope) or near fainting

When to see a doctor: Seek urgent medical care if you suddenly or frequently experience any of these signs and symptoms at a time when you wouldn't expect to feel them.

CAUSES

Many things can lead to, or cause, an arrhythmia, including:

• A heart attack
• Scarring of heart tissue
• Changes to your heart's structure
• Blocked arteries in your heart
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Overactive or underactive thyroid gland
• Smoking
• Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine
• Drug abuse
• Stress

QUESTIONS

1. What are the common symptoms of arrhythmia?

Symptoms include fluttering in the chest, racing heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting.

2. What is Ventricular fibrillation and how is it managed in an emergency?

Ventricular fibrillation is a deadly type of arrhythmia where the heart quivers ineffectively. It requires immediate CPR and defibrillation.

3. What are the risk factors for developing arrhythmias?

Risk factors include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, congenital heart disease, thyroid problems, drug use, diabetes, and more.

4. What is the normal resting heart rate range?

The normal resting heart rate is between 60 to 100 beats per minute.

5. How are Tachycardias and Bradycardias classified?

Tachycardias refer to fast heartbeats (>100 bpm), while Bradycardias refer to slow heartbeats (<60 bpm).

6. What are some common types of Tachycardias originating in the atria?

Atrial fibrillation, Atrial flutter, Supraventricular tachycardia, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

7. What is Ventricular tachycardia and its potential complications?

Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid heart rate originating in the ventricles that can lead to Ventricular fibrillation if not treated promptly.

8. How can premature heartbeats be triggered?

Premature heartbeats can be triggered by stimulants like caffeine and certain medications.

9. What lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of arrhythmias?

Eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, managing stress levels.

10. What alternative therapies may help manage arrhythmias?

Complementary therapies like yoga, meditation, relaxation techniques may help reduce stress associated with arrhythmias.

By providing accurate information on arrhythmias and their management options, individuals can better understand their condition and seek appropriate medical care when needed.