As long as the electrical impulse is transmitted normally, the heart pumps and beats at a regular pace. In an adult, a normal heart beats 60 to times a minute. Arrhythmias are abnormal beats.
The term "arrhythmia" refers to any change from the normal sequence of electrical impulses, causing abnormal heart rhythms. Arrhythmias may be completely harmless or life-threatening. Some arrhythmias are so brief for example, a temporary pause or premature beat that the overall heart rate or rhythm isn't greatly affected.
But if arrhythmias last longer, they may cause the heart rate to be too slow or too fast or the heart rhythm to be erratic — so the heart pumps less effectively. Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff. About Arrhythmia. Why Arrhythmia Matters. Understand Your Risk for Arrhythmia.
Symptoms, Diagnosis and Monitoring of Arrhythmia. Find out more about ventricular fibrillation here. This syndrome refers to a heart rhythm disorder that sometimes causes rapid, uncoordinated heartbeats.
This can result in fainting, which may be life threatening. Any interruption to the electrical impulses that stimulate heart contractions may result in arrhythmia. A person with good heart health will hardly ever experience long-term arrhythmia unless they have an external trigger, such as a substance use disorder or an electric shock.
However, an underlying heart problem can mean that electrical impulses do not travel through the heart correctly. This increases the risk of arrhythmia. Arrhythmia might not cause noticeable symptoms. However, a doctor may detect an arrhythmia during a routine examination or after requesting an electrocardiogram EKG. Even if an individual notices symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that they have a severe arrhythmia.
Some people with life threatening arrhythmias may have no symptoms, while others with symptoms may not have a severe arrhythmia. Some people may not experience active symptoms due to arrhythmia. However, treatment is still essential for preventing further complications, which may include stroke and heart failure.
Stroke : Atrial fibrillation means that the heart is not pumping effectively. This condition can cause blood to collect in pools and form clots. If a clot dislodges, it may travel to a brain artery, causing a potentially fatal blockage, or stroke. Stroke can cause brain damage and require emergency treatment. Learn more about stroke and how to prevent one occurring. Heart failure: Prolonged tachycardia or bradycardia can result in heart failure.
When the heart is failing, it cannot pump enough blood to the body and its organs. Treatment can usually help improve this.
Treatment for arrhythmia is only necessary if the condition is increasing the risk of more severe arrhythmia or a complication, or if the symptoms are severe. If bradycardia occurs due to an underlying condition, a doctor will need to treat that condition first.
If they find no underlying problem, the doctor may advise implanting a pacemaker. A pacemaker is a small device that a doctor places under the skin of the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms. Pacemakers use electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a regular minimum rate. Read more on pacemakers here. This kills , people in the UK every year. Some of these deaths could be avoided if the arrhythmias were diagnosed earlier. Common triggers for an arrhythmia are viral illnesses, alcohol, tobacco, changes in posture, exercise, drinks containing caffeine, certain over-the-counter and prescribed medicines, and illegal recreational drugs.
It is not always possible to prevent an arrhythmia developing, although a healthy lifestyle can lower your risk of developing a heart condition. Treatment aims to prevent future episodes. You can also make lifestyle changes so you avoid some of the triggers for your heart rhythm problem. The heart's rhythm is controlled by electrical signals. An arrhythmia is an abnormality of the heart's rhythm. It may beat too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly.
These abnormalities range from a minor inconvenience or discomfort to a potentially fatal problem. Type a condition, name, specialty, or location. Select a specialty Provider referrals. Arrhythmias can occur when the electrical impulses that coordinate your heart rhythm do not travel normally.
This causes the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm. Too much caffeine and certain medications also can cause heart palpitations heart racing or fluttering in some people.
These types of arrhythmias are generally harmless. While most arrhythmias are harmless, some can be serious or even life threatening. When a heartbeat is too fast, too slow or irregular, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body. Arrhythmias can be associated with serious symptoms that can affect your ability to function. Lack of blood flow can damage the brain, heart and other organs.
If irregular heartbeats are frequent or chronic, they can be very serious. Troublesome arrhythmias can be made worse, or can be caused by a weak or damaged heart. Arrhythmias are identified by where they originate in the heart and whether they cause the heart to beat slow or fast.
Arrhythmias may not cause any signs or symptoms. In fact, your doctor might find you have an arrhythmia during a routine examination. Symptoms of a heart arrhythmia include:. If you have a concern about an irregular heartbeat, you should contact your doctor.
Arrhythmias can be hard to diagnose, especially the types that only cause symptoms every once in a while. Doctors diagnose arrhythmias based on medical and family histories, a physical exam, and the results from tests and procedures.
Sometimes it is necessary to apply a heart monitor to be worn for a specific period of time to detect intermittent arrhythmias. An invasive procedure called an electrophysiology study is sometimes performed to assess the conduction system of the heart.
The kind of treatment s you may receive depends on the severity of your condition.
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