Arrhythmias
By: Robert NamTotal Views: 220, Word Count: 708,
Arrhythmias are the abnormal heart rate or heart rhythm. It is also known as disrhythmias. Normally heart beats in a formal consistent pattern but arrthymias can make it beat too quickly, too slowly or irregularly. The inconsistent pumping of heart can cause heart problems.
What Causes Arrhythmias?
Arrhythmias are caused due to following factors.
- Coronary artery disease
- Healing process after the heart surgery
- Electrolyte imbalance in blood through sodium and potassium
- Any type of heart injury
- Change in heart muscles
Signs and Symptoms of Arrhythmias
Arrhythmia makes the heart beat less effectively and stops the flow of blood to other parts of the body. If the heart beats too fast, then heart chamber will not be able to produce adequate amount of blood. If it beats too slowly, then right amount of blood will not be able to get pumped to other parts of the body. In such cases following symptoms may occur.
- Chest pain
- Fast or slow rate of heart beat
- Dizziness
- Paleness
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
- Change in the pattern of pulse rate
Types of Arrhythmias
Some of the different types of arrhythmias are:
1. Premature Atrial Contractions. These are the extra beats produced by artery in the upper chambers of the heart. They do not require any treatment, since they are harmless.
2. Premature Ventricular Contractions. This is the most common arrhythmias found in people. It can cause skipping of heartbeats. Premature ventricular contraction happens due to the heart disease or electrolyte imbalance. In some cases, it remains harmless and rarelys need any type of treatment.
3. Atrial Fibrillation. It is an irregular heart rhythm, which causes atria (upper chamber of heart) to contract abnormally.
4. Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia. In short, it is known as PSVT. It is a rapid rate of heart rhythm that is originated from the ventricles. There are two main types of PSVT i.e. Accessory path tachycardia and AV nodal reentrant tachycardia.
5. Ventricular Tachycardia (V-Tach). It is the fast rate of heart rhythm originating from the lower chamber of the heart. The rapid rate of heartbeat prevents the heart from filling it with adequate blood, the result of which is less blood pumping out to other parts of the body. It can be dangerous for the people who are already suffering from the heart disease.
6. Ventricular Fibrillation. In this situation, ventricles are unable to pump blood to different parts of the body. It can be treated with ‘cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation.
7. Bradyarrhythmias. It causes a slow heart rhythm, which occurs due to disease in heart electrical conduction system. Bradyarrhythmias includes Heart block and Sinus node dysfunction.
Diagnosis of Arrhythmias
The tests that are used to diagnose arrhythmia are:
1. Electrocardiograms
2. Echocardiogram
3. Event monitor
4. Stress test
5. Holter monitor
6. Cardiasc Catheterization
7. Electrophysiology study(EPS)
Treatment for Arrhythmias
Treatment varies according to the type and severity of the arrhythmia. People suffering from arrhythmias do not need any treatment. At times, people require change in lifestyle and surgery to cure this disease.
Medication to Treat Arrhythmias
Varieties of drugs are available for the treatment of arrhythmias. Drugs that one can take to cure this disease are:
1. Anti- Arrhythmic Drugs. It controls the heart rate .i.e. beta-blockers
2. Anti Coagulant or Antiplatelet Therapy. It helps in reducing the risk of blood clotting e.g. warfarin or aspirin.
Prevention of Arrhythmias.
Prevention of arrhythmias includes.
- Eating healthy and low-fat diet
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding smoking
If you have any symptoms related to arrhythmias then get it checked with doctor before time swifts away.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Nam is a well known heart specialist and has done postgraduate training in cardiology at the national heart hospital, the London chest hospital and UCL hospital, London. He was also engaged in research at the national heart and lung institute. Nowadays he is working as a consultant cardiologist at UCL hospital, London.
Advice Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote