Arrhythmias are abnormal beats of the heart. Types of arrhythmias include:
-
Heartbeats that are too slow (
bradycardia)
-
Heartbeats that are too fast (
tachycardia)
- Extra beats
- Skipped beats
- Beats coming from abnormal areas of the heart
An arrhythmia can be caused by:
- The heart's natural pacemaker (SA node) developing an abnormal rate or rhythm
- The normal conduction pathway being interrupted
- Another part of the heart taking over as pacemaker
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
Symptoms
Some arrhythmias may occur without any symptoms. Others may cause noticeable symptoms, such as:
- Fainting
- Dizziness, sensation of light-headedness
- Sensation of your heart fluttering (palpitations)
- Sensation of a missed or extra heart beat
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. In particular, the doctor will listen to your heart with a stethoscope.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests—to look for certain markers in the blood that help the doctor determine what is happening with your heart
- Urine tests—to look for certain markers in the urine that help the doctor determine what is happening with your heart
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
—records the heart's activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle
- Echocardiogram
—uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the size, shape, and motion of the heart
- 24-hour holter monitor—a portable EKG that you wear as you perform normal daily activities
- Exercise stress test
—records the heart's electrical activity during increased physical activity. For patients who cannot exercise, an intravenous medication may be given to simulate the effects of physical exertion on the heart.
- Nuclear scanning—Radioactive material is injected into a vein and observed as it is absorbed by the heart muscle. Areas with diminished flow, and therefore uptake of the radioactive material, show up as dark spots on the scan.
- Coronary angiography
—x-rays taken after a dye is injected into the coronary arteries—allows the doctor to look for abnormalities (narrowing, blockage) in the arteries and evaluate the function of the heart.
- Electrophysiological study—In this study, a series of electrodes is threaded through your blood vessels and attached to various spots in your heart. This allows doctors to see how electric impulses travel through the heart, aiding in the diagnosis of problems with conduction and/or identification of tissues that may be causing the arrhythmia.
- Tilt table testing—This test is usually recommended for patients with history of fainting. First, you lie flat on a table that is later tilted into a vertical position. Your heart rate and blood pressure as well as other parameters are closely monitored during the tilting.
Treatment
Treatment may include:
Antiarrhythmic Medications
These will help slow down or speed up your heart rate, or return your heart rhythm to normal (cardioversion), depending on your need.
Electrical Cardioversion or Defibrillation
These treatments involve placing paddles on the chest or back. An electrical current is passed through the chest wall to the heart to reset its electrical circuits, and attempt to return the heart rhythm to normal.
Automatic Implantable Defibrillator
A tiny
defibrillator
can be surgically implanted in your chest to monitor your heart rhythm. If a dangerous arrhythmia is detected, the device automatically shocks the heart in an attempt to return the heart rhythm to normal.
Artificial Pacemaker
The
pacemaker
is surgically implanted in your chest. It takes over the job of providing the electrical impulses needed for establishing an appropriate heart rhythm.
Ablation Therapy
An area of the heart that is responsible for an abnormal rhythm may be surgically removed or altered (ablated) with various techniques (eg,
cryoablation) to prevent it from generating an arrhythmia.
Maze and Mini-Maze Procedures
The Maze procedure is a procedure used to treat atrial fibrillation. It creates a pattern of scar tissue in the upper chambers of the heart. This makes a pathway for electrical impulses to travel through the heart and blocks the pathway for fast or irregular impulses.
The Maze procedure may also be done as minimally invasive surgery (called mini-Maze). It only requires one or two small incisions in the chest.
If you are diagnosed with an arrhythmia, follow your doctor's
instructions
.
Prevention
To help prevent arrhythmias:
- Treat underlying conditions that might lead to arrhythmias.
-
Avoid substances that might trigger or worsen an arrhythmia, including:
- Caffeinated beverages
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Certain medications
-
Follow general advice for preventing the development of heart disease, including:
- Maintain an appropriate weight.
- Consult your doctor about a safe exercise program.
-
Do not smoke. If you smoke,
quit.
- Eat a healthful diet, one that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Appropriately treat your high blood pressure and/or diabetes.
- Ask your doctor if you should take cholesterol-lowering medications.
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