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
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or
condition.
- Excess caffeine
- Stress
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
- Diet pills or decongestants
- Cocaine
- Antidepressant medications
- Digitalis overdose
- Endocrine disorders, such as thyroid or adrenal gland problems
- Anemia
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease
- Problems with heart valves
- Heart muscle damage after heart attack
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Typhoid fever
- Hypothermia
- Electric shock or lightening strike
- Complication after near-drowning
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
Nuclear Scanning – radioactive material is injected into a vein and
observed as it is absorbed by the heart muscle
Coronary Angiography – x-rays taken after a dye is injected into the
arteries
Treatment
Treatment may include:
Antiarrhythmic Medications:These will help slow down or speed up your
heart rate, depending on your need.
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, in order to re-set 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:This device is surgically implanted in your chest.
It takes over the job of providing the electrical impulses needed for
establishing an appropriate heart rhythm.
Surgery:An area of the heart that is responsible for an abnormal rhythm
may be surgically removed or altered to prevent it from generating an
arrhythmia.