Cardiac arrhythmias refer to abnormal heart rhythms that occur due to disruptions in the electrical impulses that regulate the heart’s pumping action. These irregular rhythms can range from harmless and barely noticeable to life-threatening conditions requiring immediate medical attention. Here is some information about cardiac arrhythmias:
Types of Cardiac Arrhythmias:
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): This is the most common type of arrhythmia, where the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat irregularly and often rapidly.
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): It is a fast heart rhythm originating from the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles) and can be life-threatening.
Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib): This is a serious arrhythmia where the ventricles quiver instead of pumping blood effectively, leading to a lack of blood flow to vital organs. Immediate medical intervention, like defibrillation, is required to restore a normal rhythm.
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): It involves rapid heartbeats originating above the ventricles.
Bradycardia: It refers to an abnormally slow heart rate, usually less than 60 beats per minute.
Causes:
Heart disease, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, or heart failure.
Electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium or magnesium levels.
High blood pressure.
Congenital heart defects.
Thyroid problems.
Use of certain medications or recreational drugs.
Excessive alcohol consumption.
Stress or anxiety.
Symptoms:
Palpitations (sensations of skipped beats, rapid or irregular heartbeat).
Shortness of breath.
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Chest pain or discomfort.
Fatigue or weakness.
Fainting or near-fainting episodes.
Sweating.
Diagnosis:
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Records the heart’s electrical activity.
Holter monitor: A portable ECG device worn for 24-48 hours to record heart rhythms continuously.
Event monitor: A device worn for longer durations to record intermittent symptoms.
Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create images of the heart’s structure and function.
Electrophysiology study: Invasive procedure to analyze the heart’s electrical system.
Treatment:
Medications: Anti-arrhythmic drugs to control or prevent irregular heart rhythms.
Cardioversion: Electrical shock therapy to restore normal heart rhythm.
Catheter ablation: A procedure where abnormal electrical pathways in the heart are destroyed using radiofrequency or cryotherapy.
Implantable devices: Pacemakers to regulate slow heart rhythms and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to correct dangerous arrhythmias.
Lifestyle changes: Managing underlying conditions, avoiding triggers like caffeine or alcohol, reducing stress, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any symptoms or have concerns about cardiac arrhythmias. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and guide you on the appropriate management and treatment options.
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