What is Arrhythmia? Causes and Treatment Options of Heart Rhythm Disorders
What is Arrhythmia? Causes and Treatment Options of Heart Rhythm Disorders Arrhythmias are irregularities in the normal rhythm of the heart. Arrhythmia occurs when the heartbeat is too fast, too slow or irregular. Although heart rhythm disorders are harmless most of the time, in some cases they can lead to serious health problems. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms and treatment options for arrhythmias.
What is Arrhythmia?
The heart normally beats in a regular rhythm and this rhythm is controlled by the electrical system of the heart. Any disturbance in this system can cause the heart rhythm to become irregular. Arrhythmias can be of several different types:
- Tachycardia: The heart beats faster than normal.
- Bradycardia: Bradycardia means a low heart rate.
- Atrial Fibrillation: The development of atrial fibrillation occurs as a result of the loss of regularity during normal beats in the upper and lower parts of the heart.
- Ventricular Fibrillation: Irregular and rapid beating of the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles), this condition requires urgent medical attention.
Arrhythmia Symptoms
The symptoms of arrhythmia may vary from person to person. Some people may have no symptoms, while symptoms may be very prominent for others:
- Heart Palpitations: A sudden palpitation, rapid or irregular heartbeat felt in the chest.
- Dizziness or Fainting: A short, superficial and temporary loss of consciousness.
- Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath may develop during arrhythmia because the heart cannot pump effectively enough.
- Chest Pain: Chest pain may occur when there is not enough blood supply to the heart muscle.
Causes of Arrhythmia
- Heart Diseases: Conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart valve diseases increase the risk of arrhythmia.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Imbalances in potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium levels in the body can affect heart rhythm.
- Medications: Some medications, especially heart medications and blood pressure medications, can cause arrhythmia.
- Caffeine and Alcohol: Excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption can affect heart rhythm.
- Stress: Intense stress can increase adrenaline levels and cause heart rhythm disturbance.
Arrhythmia Treatment Options
Treatment of arrhythmia varies depending on the type, severity and underlying cause of the arrhythmia. Common treatment options include:
- Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption, healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce the risk of arrhythmias.
- Medication: Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs may be prescribed to regulate heart rhythm.
- Electrical Cardioversion: In some arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, electrical cardioversion can be applied to normalise the heart rhythm.
- Catheter Ablation: Catheter ablation is a procedure used to destroy a small portion of the heart tissue that causes arrhythmia.
- Pacemaker: In slow heart rhythm problems such as bradycardia, implantation of a pacemaker can regulate the heart rhythm.
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): This device can detect and automatically correct life-threatening arrhythmias.
Arrhythmia is a condition characterised by irregularities in heart rhythm and in some cases can pose serious health risks. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical in managing arrhythmia. At HC International Clinic, we offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services to protect your heart health. If you feel any irregularities in your heart rhythm, it is important to consult a cardiologist without delay.