Definition
Definition
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
Causes
Causes
Arrhythmias can be caused by:
- The heart’s natural pacemaker (sinoatrial node [SA node]) developing an abnormal rate or rhythm
- The normal conduction path being interrupted
- Another part of the heart taking over as pacemaker
Conduction Pathways of the HeartCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your risk of arrhythmias include:
- Lifestyle factors, such as excess caffeine, stress, smoking, alcohol abuse, or cocaine abuse
- Certain medications, such as diet pills, decongestants, and antidepressants
- Heart-related conditions, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), problems with heart valves, heart muscle damage after heart attack, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy
- Other conditions, such as anemia, high blood pressure, diabetes, liver disease, endocrine disorders (thyroid or adrenal gland problems), typhoid fever, hypothermia, electric shock or lightening strike, near-drowning
Symptoms
Symptoms
Some arrhythmias may occur without any symptoms. Others may cause noticeable symptoms, such as:
- Fainting
- Lightheadedness
- Sensation of your heart fluttering (palpitations)
- Sensation of a missed or extra heart beat
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will listen to your heart with an instrument called a stethoscope.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests and urine tests
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Imaging tests may include:
- Echocardiogram
- Nuclear scanning
- Coronary angiography
- Electrical activity tests of your heart can be done with:
Treatment
Treatment
Not all arrhythmias need to be treated. Many are harmless and do not cause problems. When arrhythmias affect heart function, and cause symptoms serious enough to affect your daily life, treatment may be needed. The goal of arrhythmia treatment is to restore the normal rhythm to your heart to avoid potential complications
Medications
Medications can be used to slow down or speed up your heart rate, or return your heart rhythm to normal.
Cardioversion
Various causes of a rapid heartbeat can be shocked back to a normal rhythm. These treatments involve placing paddles on the chest or back. An electrical current is passed through the chest wall to the heart. The current resets the heart’s electrical circuits. It also tries to return the heart rhythm to normal.
Surgery
Surgery can be used to remove tissue to disrupt factors that cause arrhythmias. It may also involve implanting devices that trigger and maintain regular rhythm.
- Ablation —An area of the heart that is responsible for an abnormal rhythm may be surgically removed or altered (ablated) with different techniques.
- Maze procedure and mini-maze procedure —The Maze procedure creates a pattern of scar tissue in the upper chambers of the heart. This makes a pathway for electrical impulses to travel through the heart. It also blocks the pathway for fast or irregular impulses. The Maze procedure may also be done as minimally invasive surgery (called mini-Maze).
- Automatic implantable defibrillator —A tiny defibrillator can be surgically implanted in your chest to monitor your heart rhythm. The device will automatically shock the heart if a dangerous arrhythmia happens. This may help return the heart rhythm to normal.
- Artificial pacemaker —The pacemaker is surgically implanted in your chest. It takes over the job of providing the electrical impulses needed to have a good heart rhythm.
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of heart arrhythmias:
- Treat underlying conditions that might lead to arrhythmias.
- Avoid substances that trigger arrhythmia or make it worse, such as caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications.
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Follow general advice to prevent heart disease:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Talk to your doctor about a safe exercise program.
- Do not smoke. If you smoke, find out ways you can quit.
- Eat a healthful diet that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
RESOURCES:
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Heart and Stroke Foundation http://www.heartandstroke.com
References:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/Arrhythmia_UCM_002013_SubHomePage.jsp
Accessed November 8, 2012.
Arrhythmia. Texas Heart Institute website. Available at:
http://www.texasheartinstitute.org/HIC/Topics/Cond/Arrhythmia.cfm
Updated October 2012. Accessed November 8, 2012.
Explore arrhythmia. National Heart Lung and Blood website. Available at:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/arr
Updated July 1, 2011. Accessed November 8, 2012.
Last Updated: 12/20/2014