A cardiac arrhythmia is an abnormal rhythm or rate of heartbeat that affects the electrical signals that coordinate the heartbeats. It can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, irregularly, or prematurely.
There are many possible causes of cardiac arrhythmia, such as:
Heart diseases or conditions, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, congenital heart defects, or previous heart surgery
High blood pressure or diabetes
Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
Electrolyte imbalance, such as low or high levels of potassium, magnesium, sodium, or calcium in the blood
Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, or drug abuse
Stress, anxiety, or emotional trauma
Genetic factors or mutations
Certain medications, supplements, or herbal remedies
Some people with cardiac arrhythmia may not experience any symptoms, while others may notice some of the following signs:
Palpitations, or a feeling of fluttering, racing, skipping, or pounding in the chest
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chest pain, discomfort, or pressure
Fatigue, weakness, or tiredness
Sweating or coldness
Confusion, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating
During a cardiac arrhythmia diagnosis, a doctor will discuss your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. They also perform a physical examination, listening to your heart and checking your blood pressure and pulse. Several tests may be ordered to monitor your heart's activity and function, including:
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which records the electrical signals of the heart
Holter monitor or event recorder, which are portable devices that record the heart’s activity over a period of time
Echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create images of the heart’s structure and motion
Implantable loop recorder, which is a small device that is inserted under the skin to monitor the heart’s activity for up to three years
Stress test, which measures the heart’s response to physical exertion or medication
Tilt table test, which monitors the heart’s reaction to changes in posture
Electrophysiological testing and mapping, which uses catheters with electrodes to stimulate and record the heart’s electrical activity
The treatment of cardiac arrhythmia depends on the type, cause, and severity of the condition, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences. Some of the possible treatment options include:
Medications, such as antiarrhythmics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, or blood thinners, which can help control the heart rate, rhythm, or blood clotting
Procedures, such as catheter ablation, maze procedure, or coronary artery bypass graft, which can destroy or bypass the abnormal heart tissue or pathway that causes the arrhythmia
Devices, such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), which can regulate the heart rate, rhythm, or pumping
Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight, which can reduce the risk factors and complications of cardiac arrhythmia
Some types of cardiac arrhythmia may not be preventable, especially if they are caused by genetic or congenital factors. However, you can take some steps to lower your chances of developing or worsening cardiac arrhythmia, such as:
Following your doctor’s advice and taking your medications as prescribed
Having regular check-ups and screenings for heart conditions and other health problems
Avoiding or limiting the use of substances that can trigger or aggravate cardiac arrhythmia, such as tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, or illicit drugs
Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or tai chi, to cope with stress and anxiety
Seeking professional help if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues
Learning to recognize and respond to the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia, and seeking immediate medical attention if they occur
Depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia, cardiac arrhythmia can have various causes, symptoms, and treatments, making it a common and potentially serious condition. It is possible to improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of cardiac arrhythmia complications by understanding your condition, following your treatment plan, and making healthy lifestyle choices.
