Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that occur when the electrical impulses that coordinate your heartbeats don’t work properly, causing your heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. They can range from harmless to life-threatening, depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia.
Types of Arrhythmias
Tachycardia: A fast heart rate, usually more than 100 beats per minute. Types include:
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Atrial fibrillation (AFib): Irregular and often rapid heartbeat originating in the atria (upper chambers). It increases the risk of stroke and heart failure.
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Atrial flutter: Similar to AFib but with a more regular rhythm. It also originates in the atria.
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Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): A fast heartbeat that originates above the heart’s ventricles (lower chambers).
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Ventricular tachycardia: A fast heart rate that starts in the ventricles. It can be dangerous, especially if sustained, as it may lead to ventricular fibrillation.
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Ventricular fibrillation: A life-threatening arrhythmia where the heart quivers instead of pumping, leading to cardiac arrest.
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Bradycardia: A slow heart rate, usually fewer than 60 beats per minute. It can be caused by:
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Sick sinus syndrome: The heart’s natural pacemaker (the sinus node) doesn’t function properly.
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Heart block: A delay or complete block in the electrical impulses as they pass through the heart’s conduction system
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Premature heartbeats: Extra beats that occur before the next normal heartbeat. They can originate in the atria (premature atrial contractions) or ventricles (premature ventricular contractions). While usually harmless, frequent premature beats can lead to more serious arrhythmias.
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Causes and Symptoms
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Coronary artery disease.
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High blood pressure.
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Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., potassium, calcium).
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Heart muscle changes (cardiomyopathy).
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Injury from a heart attack.
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Post-surgical changes.
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Congenital heart defects.
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Excessive caffeine, alcohol, or drug use.
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Stress or anxiety.
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Certain medications.
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Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart.
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Holter monitor: A portable ECG device worn for 24-48 hours to record heart activity.
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Event monitor: A device worn for weeks that records heart rhythms when triggered by symptoms.
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Electrophysiological study (EPS): A procedure that maps the heart’s electrical activity to identify abnormal circuits.
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Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to create images of the heart and detect structural abnormalities.
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Stress test: Evaluates how the heart performs under physical exertion.
Treatment-Management
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Lifestyle changes: Reducing caffeine, avoiding alcohol, managing stress, and quitting smoking.
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Medications: Antiarrhythmics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants (to reduce stroke risk in AFib).
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Electrical cardioversion: A procedure to reset the heart’s rhythm using electric shocks.
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Ablation therapy: A catheter-based procedure that destroys small areas of heart tissue causing abnormal rhythms.
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Pacemaker: A small device implanted to regulate slow heartbeats.
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Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): A device implanted to correct life-threatening arrhythmias by delivering a shock.
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Arrhythmia management depends on the type, severity, and underlying cause. It often involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments, medications, and, in some cases, surgical interventions or device implantation. Regular follow-up with a cardiologist is important to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as necessary.