On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding arrhythmia.

What is arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia is a cardiac condition where the heart beats abnormally, either speeding up or slowing down, or becoming irregular. This condition results from a problem with the electrical signals that coordinate heartbeats.

There are various types of arrhythmia, including:

1. Bradycardia: This occurs when the heart rate at rest is less than 60 beats per minute.
2. Tachycardia: This occurs when the heart rate at rest is faster than 100 beats per minute.
3. Premature or extra heartbeats: These are among the most common types of arrhythmia and can happen in all people from time to time. An increase in premature beats can be triggered by stress, exertion from exercise, or caffeine consumption.

What are the symptoms of arrhythmia?

Most people with arrhythmia do not exhibit obvious symptoms. However, you might notice symptoms such as slow or irregular heartbeats or a temporary pause between heartbeats. You may feel your heart pounding or racing; this is known as palpitations.

Other symptoms of arrhythmia include:

• Feeling anxious.
• Chest pain.
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath during sleep.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Fatigue or weakness.

What causes arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia often results from a problem with the electrical signals within the heart.

In some cases, a person develops arrhythmia due to exposure to certain risk factors.

Risk factors for arrhythmia include:

• Family history of arrhythmia.
• Addiction and using prohibited drugs like cocaine.
• Certain medications.
• Undergoing surgery: The risk of developing arrhythmia increases in the first days and weeks after heart, lung, or throat surgery.
• Other health conditions and diseases, such as:
  • Cardiovascular diseases, including cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects, heart inflammation, and heart attacks.
  • Kidney diseases.
  • Lung diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
  • Sleep apnea can stress your heart by preventing it from getting sufficient oxygen.
  • Overactive or underactive thyroid hormones.

How is it diagnosed?

The doctor takes the medical history and conducts a physical examination. Additional procedures may be requested as needed, such as:

1. Laboratory tests: blood and urine tests.
2. Electrocardiogram (ECG) measures and records the heart’s electrical activity.
3. Electrophysiology study (EPS).
4. Holter monitoring.
5. Stress test, which measures the heart’s capacity during exercise.
6. Cardiac catheterization.
7. Chest X-ray.
8. Computed tomography (CT scan).
9. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

How is arrhythmia treated?

Treatment comprises several interventions or as needed, including:

1. Medications.
2. Other procedures:

• Electrical cardioversion: This treatment uses electrical shocks to restore the heart to a normal rate.
• Pacemaker: A small device with its own battery, implanted in the chest under local anesthesia, which produces electrical signals to regulate heartbeats.
• Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): Similar to a pacemaker, it helps regulate heartbeats and can provide an electrical shock to the heart. It is used to prevent or correct arrhythmia.
• Catheter ablation: This procedure stops abnormal electrical signals from traveling through the heart and causing arrhythmia.

How to prevent arrhythmia?

Taking steps to prevent heart and vascular diseases can reduce your chances of developing arrhythmia, such as:

• Following a healthy and balanced diet.
• Exercising regularly. For more details, here’s a guide to movement for you and life.
• Maintaining an ideal weight.
• Quitting smoking. For more details, here’s a guide to quitting smoking.
• Not consuming alcohol.
• Maintaining normal cholesterol levels.
• Maintaining normal blood pressure levels.
• Maintaining normal blood sugar levels.

What are the complications of arrhythmia if not treated?

Without appropriate treatment, complications affecting the heart and brain can occur, including:

• Sudden cardiac arrest: Arrhythmia can cause the heart to stop beating unexpectedly.
• Heart failure: Repeated arrhythmia can lead to cardiomyopathy, potentially leading to heart failure.
• Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) occurs if a child is born with a hereditary type of arrhythmia.

When should you see a doctor?

If you think you may have an arrhythmia, you should see a doctor.

Or if you feel that your heart is beating abnormally and also experience one of the following symptoms:

• Feelings of dizziness or vertigo.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there compounds or food substances that cause arrhythmia?

Yes, some substances can contribute to irregular or problematic heartbeats, such as:

• High amounts of caffeine.
• Nicotine, which is found in cigarettes.
• Certain medications, such as:
  • Appetite suppressants.
  • Prohibited drugs including cocaine, marijuana, or methamphetamine.