In arrhythmias, electrical signals that control heart rhythm are disrupted, causing the heart to beat too fast, too slowly, or irregularly. Arrhythmias can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slowly, or irregularly. The majority of arrhythmias are harmless and do not cause symptoms or complications. However, some arrhythmias can be life-threatening, as they affect the blood flow to the brain.
Arrhythmias can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Arrhythmias can be caused by heart conditions like coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, or previous heart surgery.
Diabetes, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalance, infection, and sleep apnea are all medical conditions that can cause arrhythmias.
Smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine consumption, drug abuse, stress, and physical activity are some lifestyle factors that can cause arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias can be caused by medications or supplements that interfere with the electrical signals of the heart. Prescription drugs (such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmics, or antidepressants), over-the-counter drugs (such as cold and cough medicines), herbal remedies (such as ginseng or ephedra), or dietary supplements (such as energy drinks and weight loss pills) are among them.
Some arrhythmias do not cause symptoms and may only be detected by a medical test. However, some common symptoms of arrhythmias include:
You may feel your heart skipping beats, fluttering, pounding, or racing when you have palpitations in your chest, throat, or neck.
You may feel as if you are about to pass out or lose consciousness if you are dizzy or lightheaded.
You may feel like you are gasping for air or suffocating when you are short of breath.
It may feel like you are having a heart attack or angina when you feel pressure, tightness, squeezing, or burning in your chest.
If you are feeling tired or weak, you may have difficulty performing your daily activities or exercising.
If you feel hot and sweaty or cold and damp, you may have a fever or chills.
The doctor will ask you about your medical history, symptoms, and risk factors in order to diagnose arrhythmias. Also, they will check your pulse and blood pressure and order tests to check your heart function and rhythm. The following tests are commonly used to diagnose arrhythmias:
During an electrocardiogram (ECG), your heart's electrical activity is recorded and abnormal patterns or rhythms can be detected.
An arrhythmia can be captured during normal activities using a Holter monitor, which you wear continuously for 24 to 48 hours.
This is a device similar to a Holter monitor, but you only activate it when you feel symptoms of an arrhythmia. It can record your heart rhythm for a few minutes before and after the event.
An echocardiogram generates images of your heart's chambers and valves by using sound waves, showing any structural or functional problems that may cause arrhythmias.
The stress test involves exercising on a treadmill or bike while your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG are monitored. It can show how well your heart works under stress and reveal any arrhythmias that occur.
A catheter is inserted into a vein in your groin or neck and guided to your heart during an electrophysiology study (EPS). By stimulating and recording your heart's electrical signals, catheters can pinpoint the cause and type of your arrhythmia.
A variety of treatment options are available to treat arrhythmias based on their cause, type, and severity. The main goals of treatment are to restore a normal heart rhythm, prevent complications such as stroke or heart failure, and improve quality of life.
These medications can help control the heart rate or rhythm, prevent blood clots, or treat underlying conditions that may cause arrhythmias. They include antiarrhythmic drugs, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants, and antiplatelets.
Defibrillators and drugs that can induce a shock can be used to deliver an electric shock to the chest during cardioversion.
The catheter ablation procedure involves inserting catheters into the heart and using heat, cold, or radio waves to destroy the abnormal tissue or cells that cause the arrhythmia.
The pacemaker is a small device implanted under the skin near the collarbone. It sends electrical impulses to the heart when necessary to monitor and regulate the heart rhythm.
A pacemaker that can also deliver shocks to the heart when it detects a life-threatening arrhythmia is known as an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).
In surgery, incisions are made in the chest to get direct access to the heart. Devices can be implanted, abnormal tissue can be removed, or scars can block abnormal electrical signals.
As arrhythmias can have many causes and factors, there is no sure way to prevent them. However, there are some possible ways to reduce their risk or severity:
Taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor and following your treatment plan
Regularly monitoring your heart rate and rhythm and reporting any changes to your doctor
Limiting or avoiding substances that can affect your heart rate or rhythm, such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, or drugs
A healthy diet that is high in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins and low in salt, fat, and cholesterol
Five days a week, moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes
Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or massage to manage stress
Maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking
If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or palpitations, you should seek medical attention immediately
Heart rhythms can be abnormal or irregular when electrical signals disrupt them. Arrhythmias can result in fast, slow, or irregular heartbeats. Some arrhythmias are harmless and do not cause any symptoms or complications. It is possible, however, for some arrhythmias to be life-threatening, as they affect blood flow to the brain and other organs. Various methods are available to diagnose and treat arrhythmias, depending on the cause and type. Arrhythmias can be controlled and prevented with proper management and care.
