Description

A cardiac arrhythmia (uh-RITH-me-uh) is an irregular heartbeat. A cardiac arrhythmia occurs when the electrical signals that tell that heart beats not work correctly. The heart can beat too fast or too slow. Or the pattern of beats of the heart can be inconsistent.

A cardiac arrhythmia may feel like a fluttering, pounding or throbbing of the heart. Some cardiac arrhythmias are harmless. Others can cause life-threatening symptoms.

There are times when it's okay to have a fast or slow heart rate. For example, the heart may beat faster with the exercise or slow down during sleep.

Heart arrhythmia treatment can include drugs, devices, such as pacemakers, or a procedure or surgery. The goals of treatment are to control or get rid of fast, slow, or otherwise, to an irregular heartbeat. A heart-healthy lifestyle can help to prevent heart damage that can trigger some type of arrhythmias of the heart.

Types of

In general, cardiac arrhythmias are grouped by the speed of the heart rate. For example:

  • Tachycardia (tak-ih-KAHR-dee-uh) is a rapid heartbeat. The heart rate is greater than 100 beats per minute.
  • Bradycardia (brad-e-KAHR-dee-uh) is a slow heartbeat. The heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute.

Fast heartbeat, it is called tachycardia

Types of tachycardias include:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AFib). Chaotic heart of signaling causes a rapid, uncoordinated beating of the heart. Atrial fibrillation may be temporary, and start and stop on its own. But some episodes may not stop unless treated. Atrial fibrillation has been linked to stroke.
  • Atrial flutter. Atrial flutter is similar to atrial fibrillation , but the beats of the heart are more organized. Atrial flutter is also linked to a stroke.
  • The Supraventricular tachycardia. This broad term that includes irregular heartbeats that begin above the the heart's lower chambers (the ventricles). Supraventricular tachycardia causes episodes of strong beats of the heart that start and stop suddenly.
  • Ventricular fibrillation. Rapid, chaotic electrical signals cause the lower chambers of the heart to quiver instead of squeezing in a coordinated manner. This serious problem can lead to death if a regular heart rhythm is not restored in a matter of minutes. The majority of people with ventricular fibrillation have an underlying heart disease or have had a severe injury.
  • The Ventricular tachycardia. This rapid, irregular heart rhythm begins with faulty electrical signals in the heart's lower chambers (the ventricles). The rapid heart rate does not allow the ventricles to properly fill with blood. So that the heart can't pump enough blood to the body. Ventricular tachycardia may not cause serious problems in people with healthy hearts. In those with heart disease, ventricular tachycardia may be an emergency that needs immediate medical attention.

Slow heartbeat, bradycardia

A heart rate below 60 beats per minute is considered bradycardia. But a low resting heart rate does not always mean that there is a problem. If you are in good physical shape, his heart may be able to pump enough blood to the body with less than 60 beats per minute.

If you have a slow heart rate, and your heart is not pumping enough blood, you may have a type of bradycardia. Types of bradycardias include:

  • The sick sinus syndrome. The sinoatrial node sets the rhythm of the heart. If the node does not work properly, the heart rate can change between too slow and too fast. Sick sinus syndrome can be caused by scarring near the sinoatrial node that is slow, interrupted or blocks of heartbeat signals. The condition is more common among older adults.
  • Conduction block. A block of the heart's electrical pathways can cause the signals that trigger heartbeats to slow down or stop. Some blocks may not cause symptoms. Others can cause heartbeat skipped or slow heartbeat.

Premature heart beats

Premature beats are extra beats that are produced one at a time, sometimes in patterns that alternate with a regular heartbeat. If the extra beats from the upper chamber of the heart, they are called premature atrial contractions (PACs). If you come from the bottom of the camera, are called premature ventricular contractions (Pvcs).

A beat early, it may feel like your heart skipped a beat. These extra beats are generally not a concern. Rarely means that you have a more serious condition. Even so, a beat early, it may trigger a greater duration of the arrhythmia, especially in people with heart disease. Occasionally, having very frequent ventricular premature beats can lead to a weak heart.

Premature heart beats can occur in moments of rest. The stress, intense exercise, and the use of stimulants, such as caffeine or nicotine, it can also cause premature beats.

Symptoms

Cardiac arrhythmia and may not cause any symptoms. The irregular beat of the heart can be observed during a health checkup for another reason.

The symptoms of an arrhythmia can include:

  • Palpitations, pounding, or racing feeling in the chest.
  • A fast heartbeat.
  • A slow heartbeat.
  • Pain in the chest.
  • Shortness of breath.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Anxiety.
  • Feeling very tired.
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Sweating.
  • Fainting or nearly fainting.

When to see a doctor

If you feel that your heart is beating too fast or too slow, or is losing the rhythm, make an appointment for a health checkup. You might see a physician skilled in diseases of the heart, called a cardiologist.

Get emergency medical help if you have these symptoms heart:

  • Pain in the chest.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Fainting.

Always call 911 or the local emergency number if you think that you could be having a heart attack.

A type of arrhythmia called ventricular fibrillation can cause a dramatic drop in blood pressure. This can cause the person to fall to the ground in a matter of seconds, also called collapse. Soon the person's breathing and pulse stopped. Ventricular fibrillation is an emergency that needs immediate medical help. It is the most frequent cause of sudden cardiac death.

If this occurs, follow these steps:

  • Call 911 or the local emergency number.
  • If there is no one near trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), provide hands-only CPR . Push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Make 100 to 120 compressions per minute until medical help arrives. You don't need to breathe into the person's mouth.
  • CPR helps maintain the flow of blood to the organs, until an electric shock can be given with an automated external defibrillator (AED). An AED is a device that delivers a shock to restart the heart.
  • If an AED is available nearby, having someone to get the device and follow the instructions. No training is required for the use of the same. The device tells you what to do. It is programmed to allow a shock only when it is appropriate.

Causes

To understand the cause of the arrhythmias of the heart, it can help to know how the heart works.

How does the heart beat?

The typical heart has four chambers.

  • The two upper chambers are called atria.
  • The two lower chambers are called the ventricles.

The heart's electrical system controls the heart beat. The heart's electrical signals start in a group of cells in the upper part of the heart called the sinus node. Pass through a path between the top and bottom of the chambers of the heart called the atrioventricular (AV) node. The movement of the signal causes the heart to contract and pump blood.

In a healthy heart, this heart signaling process usually goes well, which results in a resting heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute.

But there are some things that can change the shape of electrical signals that travel through the heart and cause arrhythmias. They include:

  • A heart attack or scarring from a previous heart attack.
  • The blockage of the arteries in the heart, called coronary artery disease.
  • Changes in cardiac structure, such as cardiomyopathy.
  • Diabetes.
  • The high blood pressure.
  • The infection with COVID-19.
  • The hyperfunction or hypofunction of the thyroid gland.
  • Sleep apnea.
  • Some medications, including those used to treat colds and allergies.
  • Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine.
  • The use of illegal drugs or the misuse of drugs.
  • Genetics.
  • The habit of smoking.
  • The stress or anxiety.

Risk factors

Things that may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias include:

  • Coronary artery disease, other heart problems, and previous heart surgery. Narrowing of the arteries of the heart, a heart attack, heart valve disease, prior heart surgery, heart failure, cardiomyopathy and other heart damage, are risk factors for almost any type of arrhythmia.
  • The high blood pressure. This condition increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease. It can also cause the walls of the lower left chamber of the heart to become stiff and thick, that you can change the form of electrical signals that travel through the heart.
  • Problems with the heart present at birth. Also called congenital heart defects, some of these problems may affect the heart's rhythm.
  • Disease of the thyroid. Having an overactive or underactive thyroid gland can increase the risk of irregular heartbeat.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea. This condition causes pauses in breathing during sleep. This can lead to a heart beat slow and irregular beats of the heart, including atrial fibrillation.
  • Electrolyte imbalance. Substances in the blood called electrolytes helps to activate and send electrical signals to the heart. The potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium are examples of electrolytes. If the body of the electrolyte are too low or too high, it can interfere with the heart of signaling and cause irregular heartbeats.
  • Some medications and supplements. Some prescription medications and certain cough and cold treatments can cause arrhythmias.
  • The excessive use of alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can affect the electrical signaling in the heart. This can increase the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation.
  • Caffeine, nicotine, or the use of illegal drugs. Stimulants can cause the heart to beat faster and may lead to the development of serious arrhythmias. Illegal drugs, such as amphetamines and cocaine, can greatly affect the heart. Some can cause sudden death due to ventricular fibrillation.

Complications

Complications depend on the type of cardiac arrhythmia. The possible complications of arrhythmias of the heart include:

  • Blood clots, which can lead to a stroke.
  • Heart failure.
  • The sudden cardiac death.

Blood thinners can reduce the risk of stroke related to atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmias. If you have a heart arrhythmia, ask a health professional if you need to take a blood thinner.

If an arrhythmia is causing the symptoms of heart failure, the treatment for the control of the heart rate can help the heart work better.

Prevention

Lifestyle changes used to manage the diseases of the heart, may help prevent heart arrhythmias. Try these tips for a healthy heart:

  • Do not smoke.
  • Eating a diet low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.
  • Control of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
  • Sleep well. Adults should get 7 to 9 hours a day.
  • Limit or avoid the consumption of caffeine and alcohol.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a heart arrhythmia, a health care professional examines you and asks you about your medical history and symptoms.

You may have tests to check your heart and seek the health conditions that can cause irregular heart beats.

Tests

The tests to diagnose a heart arrhythmia may include:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This quick test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. You can show the rapidity or slowness with which the heart is beating. Sticky patches called sensors are connected to the chest and, at times, the arms or the legs. The cables connect the patches to a computer, which displays or prints the results.
  • Holter Monitor. This portable ECG device can be used for a day or more, to record the heart's activity during daily activities.
  • Event recorder. This portable ECG device is worn for up to 30 days or until an arrhythmia or symptoms. Normally you press a button when symptoms occur.
  • The echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to take images of the beating heart. It can be shown that the structure of the heart and heart valves. You can measure the strength of the heart. It also shows how the blood flows through the heart.
  • Implantable loop recorder. If the symptoms are very rare, an event recorder can be implanted under the skin in the chest area. The device continuously records the electrical activity of the heart. You can find the irregular rhythms of the heart.

If an irregular heartbeat is not found during these tests, a health care provider may suggest more tests to try to trigger an arrhythmia. These tests may include:

  • Stress test. Some arrhythmias are triggered or aggravated by exercise. During a stress test, the heart of the activity was observed as you ride on a stationary bike or walking on a treadmill. If you can't do the exercise, you may administer a drug that affects the heart in a way that is similar to that of exercise.
  • Tilt table test. This test may be done if you have had fainting spells. Your heart rate and your blood pressure checked as you lie on a table. The table below, inclined to put in a standing position. A healthcare professional watches how the heart and the nervous system respond to the change in the angle.
  • Electrophysiology (EP) and assignment tests.This test, also called anEPstudy, you can confirm a diagnosis of tachycardia or where, in the heart of the defective signaling occurs. AnEPstudy is mainly used to diagnose isolated arrhythmias. AnEPstudy is done in the hospital. One or more thin, flexible tubes are guided through a blood vessel, usually in the groin, to the various areas in the heart. Sensors at the tips of the tubes of record of the electrical activity of the heart. AnEPstudy shows how the electrical signals that propagate through the heart during each beat of the heart.

Electrophysiology (EP) and assignment tests. This test, also called an EP study may confirm a diagnosis of tachycardia or where, in the heart of the defective signaling occurs. An EP study is primarily used to diagnose isolated arrhythmias.

An EP study is performed in the hospital. One or more thin, flexible tubes are guided through a blood vessel, usually in the groin, to the various areas in the heart. Sensors at the tips of the tubes of record of the electrical activity of the heart. An EP study shows how the electrical signals that propagate through the heart during each beat of the heart.

Treatment

The treatment of a cardiac arrhythmia depends on whether the heart is beating too fast or too slow. Some arrhythmias of the heart, not in need of treatment. Your health care team may suggest regular checkups to monitor your condition.

The cardiac arrhythmia treatment is usually only needed if the irregular heartbeat causes significant symptoms or puts you at risk of serious heart problems. Treatment of cardiac arrhythmias may include medications, special actions called vagal maneuvers, procedures, or surgery.

Medications

Medicines used to treat heart arrhythmias depend on the type of irregular heartbeat, and the possible complications.

For example, the majority of people with tachycardia are given a medication to control the heart rate and rhythm.

If you have atrial fibrillation, anticoagulants are given to prevent the formation of blood clots.

Therapies

Other treatments for heart arrhythmias include:

  • Maneuvers vagal. These are simple, but the specific actions that can decrease the heart rate. These include coughing, bearing down, as if having a bowel movement and put a bag of ice on your face. These actions affect the vagus nerve. The nerve that helps control the heartbeat. Maneuvers vagal may be recommended if you have a very fast heartbeat due to supraventricular tachycardia. Maneuvers vagal does not work for all types of arrhythmias.
  • Cardioversion. Paddles or patches on the chest that are used to give an electric shock to the heart and help to restore the heart rhythm. Cardioversion is usually used when the maneuvers vagal and the drugs don't work. Your health care team may recommend this treatment if you have a certain type of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation.

Surgery or other procedures

Treatment of heart arrhythmias may also involve a procedure or a surgery to replace a heart device on your body. Sometimes, the open-heart surgery is needed to stop or prevent an irregular heartbeat.

Types of procedures and surgeries used to treat heart arrhythmias include:

  • The ablation catheter. In this procedure, the doctor places one or more catheters into the blood vessels of the heart. The sensors on the catheter tips using heat or cold energy to create small scars on his heart. The scars of blocks of irregular heart signals and restore the heartbeat.
  • Pacemaker. If slow heartbeats do not have a cause that can be fixed, a pacemaker may be needed. A pacemaker is a small device that's placed in the chest to help control your heartbeat.
  • An Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).This device, which is placed under the skin near the collarbone. Constantly checks the heart's rhythm. If the device finds an irregular heartbeat, sends low-or high-energy shock to reset the heart's rhythm. You may need this device if you have a high risk of dangerously fast or irregular heartbeats in the lower chambers of the heart. Such conditions are referred to as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Other reasons for anICDinclude a history of sudden cardiac arrest or conditions that increase your risk.
  • Maze procedure.In the maze procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions in the upper half of the heart to create a pattern of scar tissue. The pattern is called a labyrinth. The heart of the signals can't pass through the tissue of the scar. This treatment can block stray electrical heart signals that cause some types of fast heartbeats. The maze procedure is usually only done if you do not improve with other treatments or if you're already having a open heart surgery for another reason.
  • Coronary bypass graft surgery. If you have a serious disease of the coronary artery with an irregular heartbeat, you may need this type of heart surgery. The surgery creates a new pathway for the flow of blood around a blocked or partially blocked artery in the heart.

An Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). This device, which is placed under the skin near the collarbone. Constantly checks the heart's rhythm. If the device finds an irregular heartbeat, sends low-or high-energy shock to reset the heart's rhythm.

You may need this device if you have a high risk of dangerously fast or irregular heartbeats in the lower chambers of the heart. Such conditions are referred to as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Other reasons for an ICD include a history of sudden cardiac arrest or conditions that increase your risk.

Maze procedure. In the maze procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions in the upper half of the heart to create a pattern of scar tissue. The pattern is called a labyrinth. The heart of the signals can't pass through the tissue of the scar. This treatment can block stray electrical heart signals that cause some types of fast heartbeats.

The maze procedure is usually only done if you do not improve with other treatments or if you're already having a open heart surgery for another reason.

After the treatment of irregular heart beats, it is important to have regular health screenings. Take your medicines as directed. Tell your healthcare team if the symptoms get worse.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Making lifestyle changes can help keep your heart healthy as possible.

Examples of heart-healthy lifestyle changes are:

  • Eat heart-healthy foods. Eat a healthy diet, low in salt and solid fats and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
  • Get regular exercise. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days.
  • Do not smoke. If you smoke and can't stop smoking on your own, talk to a health professional about strategies or programmes of assistance.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease. Talk with your care team to set realistic goals for body mass index (BMI) and weight.
  • Control of blood pressure and cholesterol. High blood pressure and high cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease. Make lifestyle changes and take medications as directed to manage high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
  • Limit the consumption of alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.
  • Practice good sleep habits. Lack of sleep can increase the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Adults should aim to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends. If you have trouble sleeping, talk with a health professional about strategies that might help.
  • Manage stress. Managing stress is an important step in keeping your heart healthy. Do more exercise, the practice of mindfulness and connecting with others in support groups are some of the ways to reduce and manage stress.

Preparing for your appointment

Medical appointments can be brief. There's often A lot to discuss. So it's a good idea to be prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

  • Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do beforehand. For example, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for a couple of hours before a cholesterol test.
  • Write down the symptoms you are experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to heart arrhythmias.
  • Write important personal information, including a family history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure or diabetes, and any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • Make a list of all medications, including vitamins or supplements you are taking. To include in the dose.
  • Take someone with you, if possible. Someone who goes with you can help you remember the information they give you.
  • Write questions to ask their care team.

Prepare a list of questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For the arrhythmias of the heart, some basic questions to ask your health care team include:

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • There are other possible causes of the symptoms?
  • What kind of proof do you need? I need to do anything to prepare for these tests?
  • What is the most appropriate treatment?
  • There are foods or drinks I should avoid? There is something I should add to my diet?
  • What is an appropriate level of physical activity?
  • How often should I be screened for heart disease or other complications of the arrhythmia?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions?
  • Is there a generic option for the medicine you're prescribing?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take my house? What sites do you recommend to visit?

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care team is likely to ask you questions, such as:

  • When did you first start having symptoms?
  • Do you always have symptoms, or come and go?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • Nothing seems to improve the symptoms?
  • What, in any case, it makes your symptoms worse?
  • Does anyone in your family has a heart arrhythmia?

The Mayo Clinic Heart Rhythm Program

Arizona

  • The Mayo Clinic Heart Rhythm Program
  • 13400 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85259
  • Phone: 480-301-8484

Florida

  • The Mayo Clinic Heart Rhythm Program
  • 4500 San Pablo Road Jacksonville, FL 32224
  • Phone: 904-953-0859

Minnesota

  • The Mayo Clinic Heart Rhythm Program
  • 200 First St. SW Rochester, MN 55905
  • Phone: 507-284-3994
Symptoms and treatment of Cardiac arrhythmia