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Arrhythmia

What is Arrhythmia?

  • Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats irregularly - too fast, too slow, or unevenly.
  • It happens when the electrical signals that control the heartbeat do not work properly.

Types of Arrhythmia

  • Tachycardia – fast heartbeat (>100 bpm)
  • Bradycardia – slow heartbeat (<60 bpm)
  • Atrial fibrillation (AFib) – irregular and rapid rhythm
  • Premature beats – extra early heartbeats
  • Ventricular arrhythmias – serious rhythm problems from lower chambers

Symptoms of Arrhythmia

  • Palpitations (fluttering or racing heart)
  • Chest discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or light headedness
  • Fatigue
  • Fainting

Causes of Arrhythmia

  • Heart disease or heart attack
  • High blood pressure
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Electrolyte imbalance (potassium/sodium)
  • Stress or anxiety
  • Smoking or excess caffeine
  • Alcohol or drug use
  • Thyroid disorders

Complications of Arrhythmia

  • Stroke (especially in atrial fibrillation)
  • Heart failure
  • Blood clots
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Sudden cardiac death (severe cases)

Diagnosis of Arrhythmia

  • ECG (Electrocardiogram)
  • Holter monitor
  • Echocardiogram
  • Stress test
  • Blood tests

Treatment of Arrhythmia

  • Medications
    • Anti-arrhythmic drugs
    • Beta-blockers
    • Calcium channel blockers
    • Blood thinners (to prevent stroke)
  • Medical Procedures
    • Cardioversion – restores normal rhythm
    • Catheter ablation – destroys abnormal electrical pathways
    • Pacemaker – treats slow heart rate
    • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) – prevents sudden death
       
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