Importance of Understanding Arrhythmias

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                When the heart beats at a rate or rhythm than normal it is called an arrhythmia. It is also commonly called as irregular heartbeat or cardiac dysrhythmia. During arrhythmia, the heart may be beating too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm. Although most arrhythmias are considered harmless, it can be serious and fatal. During an arrhythmia, the heart may be incapable of supplying sufficient amount of blood to the brain and other organs, leading to damage.

 

 

Types of arrhythmias

There are different types for arrhythmias classifiedaccording their heart rate andwhere they originate in the heart. Some of the examples of arrhythmias are the following:

• Tachycardia – very fast heart rate
• Bradycardia – slow heart rate
• Conduction disorder – abnormal beating of the heart
• Premature contraction – early heartbeat
• Atrial fibrillation – irregular contraction of upper heart chambers (atria)
• Ventricular fibrillation – irregular contraction of lower heart chambers (ventricles)

Causes of arrhythmia

The heart works as a pump that enables blood to go through the lungs and the rest of the body to deliver oxygen and other nutrients. For this to occur, the heart has its own electrical system that ensures its contraction in a systematic method. The electrical impulse that signals the heart to contract is initiated in the heart’s natural pacemaker, also called the sinoatrial or sinus (SA) node. The signal would then leave the SA node and transmits through the electrical pathway along the heart. The heart would beat either faster or slower depending on the different nerve message. When there is a problem with the heart’s electrical conduction system, arrhythmias occur. The following lead to problems in the electrical conduction system of the heart:

• Extra or abnormal signals come about
• Blocked or slowed electrical signals
• New or different pathways of electrical signals through the heart

There are many causes for irregular heart rate. Some of these include:

• Irregular levels of calcium, potassium and other electrolytes
• Myocardial infarction or heart attack (scarring of heart muscles)
• Congenital heart disease
• Heart failure or enlarged heart
• Hyperactive thyroid gland

Moreover, several substances and drugs may induce arrhythmias, which are:

• Alcohol (beer, wine, hard drinks)
• Caffeine (coffee, tea and some soft drinks)
• Herbal supplements
• Beta-blockers
• Nicotine (cigarettes)
• Drugs that imitate activity of the nervous system (cocaine)

Signs and symptoms of arrhythmia

Although the exact pulse cannot be precisely measured without the necessary instruments, it may be felt in various locations in the body such as the groove of the neck or the inside of the wrist. Several of arrhythmia includes:

• Fast or slow heartbeat
• Skipping beats
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Lightheadedness of dizziness
• Fainting or near fainting

Treatment for arrhythmia

The most important thing to do is to seek medical attention when one feels irregular heart rate. Doctors may prescribe medication to treat arrhythmia.

Bradycardia treatment

• Pacemaker

Tachycardia treatment

• Vagal maneuvers
• Medications
• Cardioversion
• Ablation therapy, etc.

Complications of arrhythmia

If not treated early, arrhythmia may lead to one of these life-threatening complications:

• Stroke
• Heart failure (myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest)
• Alzheimer’s disease

It is important to study arrhythmia due to their being and underlying cause of many fatal diseases. Understanding arrhythmia can help when taking first aid training or CPR classes.