Arrhythmia Symptoms

Arrhythmias are disorders of the regular beating rhythm of the heart. They are common - about 2.2 million Americans live with atrial fibrillation (a type of rhythm problem). Arrhythmias can occur in a healthy heart and be of minimal consequence. They may also indicate a serious problem and lead to heart disease, stroke or sudden cardiac death. The purpose of this site is to help public and health professionals to learn more on arrhythmias, and ultimately, reduce disability and death from heart disease and stroke.

An irregular heartbeat is an arrhythmia (also called dysrhythmia). The heart rate may be irregular. A normal heart rate is 50-100 beats per minute. Arrhythmias and abnormal heart rhythm does not necessarily occur together. Arrhythmias can occur with a normal heart rate, or with heart rates that are slow (called bradyarrhythmias - less than 60 beats per minute). arrhythmias can also occur with rapid heart beat (called tachyarrhythmias - faster than 100 beats per minute).

Most arrhythmias are harmless but some can be serious or even fatal. When the heartbeat is too slow, too fast, or irregular, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body. The lack of blood flow can damage the brain, heart and other organs.

Causes

The heart has four compartments, or chambers. The walls of the heart and squeeze (contract) to push the blood in the rooms. The contractions are controlled by an electrical signal that begins in the heart's natural pacemaker (called the sinus node). The rate of contractions is influenced by nerve impulses and hormones in the blood. A problem in one of these can cause arrhythmia.

There are several causes of arrhythmia such as sinus node (SAN) firing more quickly or slowly (sometimes both) or another part of the heart by taking over the job of the SAN. Sometimes there may be no known cause for an arrhythmia.

Symptoms

Arrhythmias may not cause signs or symptoms. In fact, your doctor can detect them before you do, during a routine examination. apparent signs and symptoms do not always indicate a serious problem. Some people feel that arrhythmias are not a serious problem, while others who have life-threatening arrhythmias have no symptoms at all.

Many arrhythmias cause no signs or symptoms. When signs or symptoms are present, the most common are:

* Palpitations (feeling your heart skip a beat or beating too hard)

* A slow heartbeat

* An irregular heartbeat

* Feeling of pauses between heart beats

Treatment

Treatment of arrhythmias depends on the type of arrhythmia, the patient's age, physical condition and age. There are methods for the prevention of arrhythmia. These methods include relaxation techniques to reduce stress, limit intake of caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and stimulant drugs. Many arrhythmias require no treatment, they are naturally controlled by the immune system of the body. However, it is necessary that arrhythmias must be controlled, they can be controlled by medication, cardioversion, implantable cardioverter defibrillators or pacemakers artificial. Arrhythmias are very serious.

Because arrhythmias are a heterogeneous group of conditions, treatment should be carefully selected by a patient with their doctor. Some arrhythmias require no treatment at all. Others require emergency treatment immediately if death is avoided. Treatments include physical maneuvers, antiarrhythmics, medicines, electricity, and electro or cryo cautery.