An abnormal heartbeat is known as heart arrhythmia. Heart rhythm issues (heart arrhythmias) develop when the electrical signals that coordinate the heart’s beats fail to function properly. The heart beats excessively fast (tachycardia), too slowly (bradycardia), or irregularly as a result of poor transmission.
Heart arrhythmias may be painless and feel like a speeding or fluttering heart. The signs and symptoms of some heart arrhythmias, however, can be troublesome and even life-threatening.
What are the Types of Arrhythmias?
Supraventricular arrhythmias: Arrhythmias that start in the atria. “Ventricular” refers to the lower chambers of the heart, or ventricles, while “supra” implies above.
Ventricular Arrhythmias: Arrhythmias that start in the ventricles, or bottom chambers of the heart, are referred to as ventricular arrhythmias.
Bradyarrhythmia: Slow heartbeats that can be brought on by conditions affecting the sinoatrial (SA) node, atrioventricular (AV) node, or HIS-Purkinje network, which are all parts of the heart’s conduction system.
What are the Symptoms of Arrhythmia?
Your arrhythmia can be asymptomatic. During an examination, a doctor can detect an irregular heartbeat by measuring your pulse, listening to your heart, or doing diagnostic tests. These are some of the common symptoms:
Palpitations, which is the sensation that your heart is “fluttering,” “running away,” or skipping beats.
Heart pounding.
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Breathing difficulty
Pain in the chest.
Weakness or exhaustion
Cardiac muscle weakness
What are the Causes of Arrhythmia?
Arrhythmias may result from:
cardiovascular disease.
Easily irritated heart tissue
elevated blood pressure
modifications to the cardiac muscle (cardiomyopathy).
valve conditions
abnormalities in sodium or potassium levels of electrolytes in your blood.
damage caused by a heart attack.
the recovery period following cardiac surgery.
other health problems.
How is an Arrhythmia Diagnosed?
The doctor will often conduct a physical examination and inquire about your medical history and symptoms to identify a heart arrhythmia. Tests may be carried out to confirm an abnormal heartbeat and search for diseases like thyroid or heart illness that can lead to arrhythmias. These are some of the tests which are performed to confirm the presence of arrhythmia:
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Ambulatory monitors
Stress test
Echocardiogram
Electrophysiology study (EPS)
Passive head-up tile test
Cardiac catheterization
Implantable loop recorder
How is an Arrhythmia Treated?
The treatment for heart arrhythmias differs depending on whether you have a fast (tachycardia) or sluggish heartbeat (bradycardia). Treatment is not necessary for all cardiac arrhythmias. Regular checks to keep an eye on your condition may be advised by your doctor.
Treatment for cardiac arrhythmias is typically only necessary if the irregular heartbeat is producing noticeable symptoms or if the disease increases your chance of developing more severe heart issues.
Here are some ways your condition can be addressed:
Through medications (if not too severe)
Therapies (cardioversion and vagal manoeuvres)
Surgery (Catheter ablation, pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), maze procedure, coronary bypass surgery
Changes in lifestyle and eating habits
How can Arrhythmia be Prevented?
Heart arrhythmias may be prevented by making lifestyle changes that lower the risk of developing heart disease. A heart-healthy way of life consists of:
A diet that is heart-healthy and consists of low cholesterol
Maintaining an active lifestyle by doing kind of physical workouts
Being healthy in terms of weight
Quit smoking and passive smoking
Reducing or avoiding alcohol and caffeine
Reducing stress since it can lead to heart rhythm issues, as extreme stress and rage
Taking medications as prescribed and disclosing to your physician all medications you are taking, including those obtained without a prescription.
