The Arrhythmia of the heart is an abnormal heartbeat. An irregular heartbeat is caused by faulty signals, which cause the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or both. If the electrical signals coordinating the heart’s beats fail to work correctly, we get heart rhythm problems (heart arrhythmias). Is Arrhythmia is a Serious Disease? Symptoms | Types | Causes | Treatment
Fluttering and racing hearts may be symptoms of heart arrhythmias. However, heart arrhythmias’ signs and symptoms can be bothersome- sometimes even life-threatening. There are times, however, when a person’s heart rate is fast or slow. As an example, the heart rate may increase when exercising or slow down when sleeping.
Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao may recommend medications, catheter procedures, implanted devices, or surgery to control or eliminate fast, slow or irregular heartbeats. By living a heart-healthy lifestyle, you will be able to prevent certain heart arrhythmias from developing.
Is Arrhythmia is a Serious Disease? Symptoms | Types | Causes | Treatment- Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao
Arrhythmias are generally classified according to the speed of the heartbeat. For instance:
(Tachycardia) Fast heartbeat
Tachycardia refers to a fast heartbeat. This is the rate at which your heart beats at rest. There are several types of tachycardia. So, these are:
- A-fib (atrioventricular fibrillation). Rapid, uncoordinated heart rates are caused by chaotic signaling in the heart. Some episodes of A-fib may not stop unless treated, but others may be temporary. There are serious complications associated with A-fib, such as stroke.
- They were fluttering in the atrium. A-fib is similar to atrial flutter, but the heartbeats are more regular. Strokes are also associated with atrial flutter.
- Tachycardia supraventricular. Supraventricular tachycardia is an arrhythmia that starts above the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles).
- Ventricular fibrillation (VF). Arrhythmias of this type occur when rapid and chaotic electrical signals cause the lower heart chambers (ventricles) to flutter instead of contracting in a coordinated way to pump blood throughout the body.
- Tachycardia ventricular. Faulty electrical signals in the lower heart chambers (ventricles) are responsible for this rapid, regular heart rate.
Because of the rapid heartbeat, the ventricles cannot appropriately fill with blood.
Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)
A slow heartbeat is called bradycardia. This is when your heart beats below 60 beats per minute. Despite being considered bradycardia, a low resting heart rate may not signal a serious problem if a heart rate falls below 60 beats per minute while at rest. At rest, your heart can pump enough blood to the body even if it beats less than 60 beats per minute.
- If your heart isn’t pumping enough blood and you have a slow heart rate, you may have a form of bradycardia. These types of bradycardia include:
- The sick sinus syndrome. It is the sinus node that regulates the heart’s rhythm. It may be too fast (tachycardia) and too slow (bradycardia) if it doesn’t function properly. Scarring near the sinus node can cause sick sinus syndrome because it slows, disrupts, or blocks impulses. People over 60 are more likely to suffer from sick sinus syndrome.
- Block of conduct. Heart electrical pathways can be blocked, slowing or stopping the signals that trigger heartbeats. One block may not cause symptoms, while another may cause skipped beats or bradycardia.
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Signs and Symptoms of Arrhythmia
There may be no signs or symptoms associated with heart arrhythmias. Your doctor may notice an irregular heartbeat while examining you for another health problem.
Arrhythmias generally manifest as the following signs and symptoms:
- A flutter in the chest
- Heartbeats that race (tachycardia)
- The slowing of the heart rate (bradycardia)
- Pain in the chest
- Breathing problems
The following symptoms may also occur:
- Anxiety
- Tiredness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Perspiration
- Near fainting or fainting (syncope)
Seeing a doctor when necessary
Make an appointment to see Heart Valve Expert if you experience fast or slow heartbeats or if the beat is skipping. Moreover, if you are experiencing shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting or near fainting, and chest discomfort or pain, seek medical attention immediately. So, always connected with heart doctor and get information Is Arrhythmia is a Serious Disease?
Ventricular fibrillation is a type of Arrhythmia that causes a drastic drop in blood pressure. It can happen in seconds for a person to collapse, and soon their breath and pulse will cease. When this happens, follow these steps:
- Provide hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if no trained personnel are nearby. While you wait for paramedics, apply 100 to 120 compressions a minute, hard and fast, in the center of the chest. It is not necessary to breathe through the mouth.
- If you or anyone nearby knows CPR, begin CPR. Until an electrical shock (defibrillation) can be given, CPR can help maintain blood flow to the organs.
- The nearest automated external defibrillator (AED) should be obtained and followed. A Defibrillator is a portable device that delivers a shock that may restart a heartbeat. The shock is only delivered when it is necessary. Operating an AED does not require any training. Follow the instructions.
What causes the heart to beat?
However, four chambers make up the human heart- two upper chambers, or atria, and two lower chambers, or ventricles. In the right upper chamber (atrium), a natural pacemaker controls the heartbeat. Electrical signals from the sinus node trigger the heartbeat.
Moreover, as a result of these electrical signals moving across the atria, the heart’s muscles contract, causing blood to flow into the ventricles. Is Arrhythmia is a Serious Disease?
Electrical signals stimulate the ventricles, which contract and pump blood away from the body to the lungs or other parts. In turn, the blood fills the ventricles. In the AV node, the signals slow down after reaching a cluster of cells.
Signs of a Healthy Heart and How to Improve your Heart Health
Heart signaling usually proceeds smoothly in healthy hearts, resulting in an average resting heart rate of 60 to 100 beats a minute. So, arrhythmias can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- The current or previous scars of a heart attack
- Coronary artery disease (coronary artery blockage)
- A condition where the heart’s structure is altered, such as cardiomyopathy
- Diabetic
- Their blood pressure is high.
- An infection with COVID-19
- Hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism)
- Snoring or sleep apnea
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
- Medications without a prescription, including cold and allergy medications
- Caffeine or alcohol consumption that is too high
- Addiction to drugs
- Genomics
- Cigarettes
- Anxiety or stress
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of heart arrhythmias, including:
- Heart problems, cardiac surgery, and coronary artery disease. There are many risk factors for almost any type of Arrhythmia, including narrowed arteries, heart attacks, abnormal heart valves, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and other heart problems.
- Heart disease is more likely to develop as a result of hypertension. Hypertension can also cause the walls of the left lower heart chamber (left ventricle) to become stiff and thick, changing how electrical signals travel through the heart.
- A congenital heart defect. Heart rhythm can be affect by congenital heart defects.
- The disease of the thyroid. It is possible to have an irregular heartbeat if your thyroid gland is overactive or underactive.
- An obstructive sleep apnea. Sleeping pauses are common in this condition. Among the complications are slow heartbeats (bradycardia) and irregular heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation.
- Unbalanced electrolytes. Electrical impulses in the heart are triggered and sent by electrolytes in the blood, like potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. In the case of an electrolyte imbalance – for example, high or low levels – it can cause irregular heartbeats.
- Supplements and certain drugs. Also, various prescription medications and some nonprescription cough and cold medicines can cause arrhythmias.
- Drinking too much alcohol can affect your heart’s electrical impulses and increase your risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
- Use of nicotine, caffeine, or illegal drugs. Amphetamines and cocaine, which are illegal drugs, may significantly affect the heart, causing various arrhythmias or sudden death caused by ventricular fibrillation. Also, you may develop more severe arrhythmias if you take caffeine, nicotine, or other stimulants.
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Problems of Arrhythmia
Arrhythmias can lead to a variety of complications. A stroke, heart failure, or sudden deaths are arrhythmias’ complications. As a result of heart arrhythmias, blood clots are more likely. Moreover, a clot can break free from the heart and travel to the brain, causing strokes. Blood thinners can reduce stroke risk associated with atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias.
Your doctor prescribes blood-thinning medications if they are appropriate for you. Controlling the heart rate may help improve heart function in patients suffering from Arrhythmia.
Preventions of Arrhythmia
Prevent Arrhythmias by reducing heart disease risks through lifestyle changes. These include:
- Dietary habits that promote heart health
- We are maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Obesity management
- Smoking is not allow.
- Caffeine and alcohol should be limited or avoid.
- Stress and anger may cause heart rhythm problems, so reducing them is essential.
- Make sure that you take your medications as prescribed, including those purchased without a prescription, and tell your doctor about all your medications
In Conclusion
A premature heartbeat is an extra beat that occurs one after another, sometimes in alternating patterns with regular heartbeats. Premature atrial contractions or premature ventricular contractions can cause extra beats. When resting, a premature heartbeat may occur. Premature heartbeats can occasionally be cause by stress, exercise, and stimulants, such as nicotine and caffeine.
Hence, contact Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao to schedule an appointment. Knowing how the heart usually works may help us understand the cause of heart arrhythmias. Also, get more information about Is Arrhythmia is a Serious Disease?
