Arrhythmia

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm that occurs when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly. Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively and may require medical treatment.

At DHEE Hospitals Cardiology, arrhythmias are evaluated using clinical assessment, ECG, rhythm monitoring, and other cardiac tests when required. Treatment depends on the type of arrhythmia, its cause, symptoms, and overall heart health.

What Is an Arrhythmia?

The heart normally beats in a regular rhythm controlled by electrical signals within the heart. An arrhythmia occurs when these electrical signals are generated or conducted abnormally.

Arrhythmias may cause the heart to beat:

  • Too fast, known as tachycardia
  • Too slowly, known as bradycardia
  • Irregularly or unpredictably

Types of Arrhythmia

There are several types of abnormal heart rhythms. Common examples include:

  • Atrial fibrillation: An irregular and often rapid rhythm originating in the upper chambers of the heart.
  • Atrial flutter: A rapid rhythm caused by abnormal electrical activity in the atria.
  • Supraventricular tachycardia: Episodes of an abnormally fast heart rate originating above the ventricles.
  • Premature beats: Extra or early heartbeats that may feel like a skipped or forceful beat.
  • Ventricular tachycardia: A rapid rhythm originating in the lower chambers of the heart that can be serious.
  • Bradycardia: An unusually slow heart rate that may cause symptoms in some people.

Symptoms of Arrhythmia

Some arrhythmias cause no noticeable symptoms and are discovered during a routine examination. When symptoms occur, they may include:

  • Palpitations or a feeling of a racing heartbeat
  • Irregular or skipped heartbeats
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Chest discomfort
  • Reduced exercise tolerance
  • Fainting or near-fainting

What Causes Arrhythmia?

Arrhythmias can occur because of changes in the heart’s electrical system or because of an underlying medical condition. Possible causes and contributing factors include:

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Previous heart attack
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart failure
  • Heart valve disease
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Electrolyte abnormalities
  • Certain medicines
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Smoking
  • High levels of physical or emotional stress

When Is an Arrhythmia an Emergency?

Seek urgent medical attention if a rapid or irregular heartbeat occurs with severe chest pain, significant breathing difficulty, fainting, severe dizziness, or sudden weakness.

Some serious ventricular arrhythmias can interfere with the heart’s ability to pump blood and require immediate emergency treatment.

How Is Arrhythmia Diagnosed?

Because abnormal rhythms can come and go, diagnosis may require more than a single ECG.

Electrocardiogram

An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity and can identify many types of arrhythmia.

Holter Monitoring

A Holter monitor records the heart rhythm continuously, usually for 24 hours or longer, and can detect intermittent rhythm abnormalities.

Event or Extended Rhythm Monitoring

For symptoms that occur less frequently, longer-term monitoring may be recommended to capture an abnormal rhythm when symptoms occur.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram evaluates the structure and function of the heart and can help identify underlying heart disease associated with an arrhythmia.

Blood Tests

Blood tests may be used to check for conditions such as thyroid abnormalities or electrolyte disturbances that can contribute to abnormal heart rhythms.

Arrhythmia Treatment

Treatment depends on the specific type of arrhythmia and whether it is causing symptoms or increasing the risk of complications.

Medicines

Depending on the rhythm problem, medicines may be used to control the heart rate, restore or maintain a normal rhythm, or reduce the risk of complications such as blood clots.

Electrical Cardioversion

In selected patients, a controlled electrical shock can be used to restore a normal heart rhythm. Cardioversion may be considered for certain abnormal rhythms such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.

Catheter Ablation

Catheter ablation is a procedure in which targeted areas responsible for an abnormal electrical rhythm are treated to prevent the arrhythmia from recurring. It may be recommended for selected types of arrhythmia.

Pacemaker

A pacemaker may be recommended for certain patients with abnormally slow heart rhythms or problems with the heart’s electrical conduction system.

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator may be recommended for selected patients who have a significant risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.

Managing Arrhythmia

Patients diagnosed with an arrhythmia should follow their prescribed treatment and attend regular cardiac follow-up. Depending on the type of rhythm disorder, doctors may also recommend managing blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, weight, sleep problems, and other cardiovascular risk factors.

It is also important to discuss supplements, over-the-counter medicines, and other medications with a healthcare professional because some substances can affect heart rhythm.

Can Arrhythmia Be Prevented?

Not all arrhythmias can be prevented. However, maintaining cardiovascular health can reduce the risk of some rhythm problems and their complications.

  • Control high blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • Manage diabetes effectively.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Limit excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Stay physically active as appropriate.
  • Follow treatment for existing heart disease.
  • Attend regular medical and cardiac check-ups when recommended.

Arrhythmia Care at DHEE Hospitals Cardiology

DHEE Hospitals Cardiology provides evaluation and management for patients experiencing palpitations, irregular heartbeats, slow heart rates, rapid heart rates, and other rhythm-related symptoms.

Depending on the suspected condition, evaluation may include ECG, ambulatory rhythm monitoring, echocardiography, blood tests, and other cardiac investigations. Treatment is selected according to the type of arrhythmia, its underlying cause, symptoms, and individual risk factors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arrhythmia

Is every irregular heartbeat dangerous?

No. Some irregular or extra heartbeats are harmless, while others can be associated with significant heart disease. The type and cause of the rhythm abnormality determine its clinical importance.

Can stress cause an arrhythmia?

Stress can trigger or worsen palpitations and may contribute to certain rhythm disturbances. However, recurrent or significant palpitations should be medically evaluated rather than assumed to be caused by stress.

Can arrhythmia cause dizziness?

Yes. An arrhythmia that causes the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly, or inefficiently can temporarily reduce blood flow to the brain and cause dizziness or light-headedness.

Can arrhythmia be treated without surgery?

Many arrhythmias can be managed with medicines and treatment of underlying conditions. Some patients, however, may benefit from procedures such as catheter ablation or device implantation.

When should I see a cardiologist for palpitations?

Recurring, prolonged, or unexplained palpitations should be evaluated, particularly when they occur with dizziness, fainting, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or reduced exercise tolerance.