Heart Arrhythmia: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Complications & Preventions

All You Need To Know About Heart Arrhythmia

Heart Arrhythmias

An abnormal heartbeat is an arrhythmia, also known as dysrhythmia. Arrhythmias can begin in various parts of your heart and they can be too quick, too slow, or simply irregular. It isn't generally serious yet can in some cases demonstrate a possibly deadly heart issue. Atrial fibrillation, which results in an irregular and rapid heartbeat, is the type of arrhythmia that is the most prevalent.

When the electrical signals that coordinate the heartbeats do not function properly, arrhythmias, also known as dysrhythmias, occur. A fluttering or racing heart may be the sensation of an irregular heartbeat. A "normal sinus rhythm," on the other hand, is the way the heart beats when it is working properly.

A lot of heart arrhythmias aren't dangerous. Arrhythmias, on the other hand, can result in severe and potentially fatal symptoms and complications if they are extremely irregular or are the result of a weak
or damaged heart.

However, a person's fast or slow heart rate is sometimes normal. For example, during sleep, the heart rate may slow down while exercising.

The treatment of heart arrhythmia may incorporate medications, catheter methods, embedded gadgets, or medical procedures. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent certain heart arrhythmias from occurring.

Types Of Heart Arrhythmias

Heart arrhythmias are classified by the speed of the pulse. For instance:

A fast heart is called tachycardia (tak-ih-KAHR-dee-uh). The heart rate at rest is higher than 100 beats per minute.
The term "bradycardia" refers to a sluggish heartbeat. The heart rate at rest is lower than 60 beats per minute.

Types Of Tachycardia

Rapid heartbeat can take many forms, including:

Atrial Fibrillation: A rapid, uncoordinated heart rate is caused by chaotic heart signaling. Although the condition may only last for a short time, some atrial fibrillation episodes may continue unless treated. Atrial Fibrillation is related to serious complications like stroke.
Atrial flutter: It has more organized heartbeats as compared to atrial fibrillation.
Supraventricular Tachycardia: Supraventricular tachycardia is a wide term that incorporates arrhythmias that begin over the lower heart chambers (ventricles). Palpitations, also known as episodes of a pounding heartbeat, begin and end abruptly in supraventricular tachycardia.
Ventricular Fibrillation: This kind of arrhythmia happens when fast, turbulent electrical signs cause the lower heart chambers (ventricles) to shudder as opposed to reaching in a planned manner that siphons blood to the remainder of the body.
Ventricular Tachycardia: The faulty electrical signals in the lower heart chambers (ventricles) are the root cause of this regular, rapid heart rate. The ventricles are unable to properly fill with blood because of the rapid heart rate. The heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body as a result.

Types Of Bradycardia

The type of slow heartbeat includes the following:

Sick Sinus Disorder: The sinus hub is responsible for establishing the rhythm of the heart. If it doesn't work as expected, the pulse may shift back and forth between excessively sluggish (bradycardia) and excessively quick (tachycardia).
Conduction Block: The signals that start or stop heartbeats can be slowed down or quit if the electrical pathways in the heart become blocked. Some blocks may not cause any symptoms at all, while others may cause bradycardia or skipped beats.

Causes Of Heart Arrhythmias

Most arrhythmias happen due to an issue with your heart's arteries, valves, or muscles. The most common causes of arrhythmia include:

Coronary artery infection
Your heart's irritable tissue (from genetic or acquired causes)
High blood pressure
Changes in your heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).
Disorders of the valve
Imbalances in your blood's electrolytes.
Injury from a coronary episode.
the recovery process following heart surgery.
Other medical disorders

Symptoms Of Heart Arrhythmias

The most common symptoms of heart arrhythmia include the following:

Heaviness in the chest.
Lightheadedness or dizziness.
Swooning episodes.
Difficulty breathing.
Anxiety in the chest.
Fatigue.
Weakness.
A cardiovascular arrhythmia might be "quiet" and not bring on any symptoms.

Risk Factors For Heart Arrhythmia

The following factors increase your risk of developing arrhythmias,

Polishing off beverages and food varieties that have caffeine.
Taking energizers like virus medicines or homegrown supplements.
Having a body mass index (BMI) above 30.
Age: As you get older, the chances get better.
Genes: If a close relative has had an arrhythmia, your chances may be higher. A few types of coronary illness can likewise run in families.
Lifestyle: Your risk can be increased by recreational drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
Diseases: Heart rhythm issues can be brought on by several conditions, including obesity, sleep apnea, diabetes, low blood sugar, autoimmune disorders, and high blood pressure.
Environment: Arrhythmias can be exacerbated by environmental factors like air pollution.

Diagnosis Of Heart Arrhythmias

The doctor will typically perform a physical examination and inquire about your symptoms and medical history to make a diagnosis of a heart arrhythmia. To confirm an irregular heartbeat and check for conditions that can cause arrhythmias, like heart disease or thyroid disease, tests may be performed.

ECG

An electrocardiogram, likewise called an ECG or EKG, is often used to analyze arrhythmia. The specialist joins terminals to your chest, arms, or legs that act and chart your heart's electrical movement.

ECG estimations uncover assuming the electrical action is curiously quick, slow, or unpredictable. Additionally, the test can indicate whether your heart is enlarged or has poor blood flow.

A specialist may take an ECG while you're resting or while you're practicing on an exercise bike or treadmill. A compact screen can likewise take ECGs to search for inconsistencies over a more extended timeframe.

There is little to no risk with ECGs.

Echocardiogram

A hand-held device known as a transducer is positioned on the chest and uses sound waves to produce images of the size, structure, and motion of the heart during this noninvasive procedure.

Heart Monitors

A doctor may ask you to use a home heart monitor to help diagnose arrhythmias because they can be irregular and may not occur while you are in the doctor's office.

The types of heart monitors can include the following:

Holter Monitor: You can use this portable EKG, also known as an "ambulatory electrocardiogram" or an ECG, for up to two weeks or up to two days. It is about the size of a postcard or digital camera. The test looks at how electrical waves or signals travel through your heart. Your heart is instructed to contract (squeeze) and pump blood by these signals. The electrodes will be taped to your skin. While you are wearing the electrodes, you can do anything except take a shower or bath. You will return to your doctor after the test period. The data will be downloaded by them.
Implantable Loop Recorder: This is placed beneath your skin by your doctor, where it continuously records your heart's electrical activity. It can transmit data to your physician's office.
Event Monitor: Your doctor may recommend wearing one of these for about a month if your symptoms do not occur frequently. At the point when you press a button, it records and stores your heart's electrical movement for a couple of moments. Attempt to get an understanding when you notice side effects. Your primary care physician will decipher the outcomes

Tests

Additional tests may also be used by a doctor to check for arrhythmias. These can include:

Stress Test: A stress test allows a doctor to check for arrhythmia by watching your heartbeat while you exercise. If you have trouble exercising, you can also use medication to raise your heart rate for the test.
Study Of Sleep: A rest study can show whether rest apnea is the wellspring of your arrhythmia.
Test Of A Tilt Table: A slant table test might be utilized on the off chance that your arrhythmia has made you faint previously. While you are lying on a tilted table, the doctor will measure your blood pressure and heart rate.
Electrophysiological Testing: During electrophysiological testing, a doctor will insert thin electrode catheters into your veins and into various parts of your heart to map electrical signals. The electrodes cause various parts of the heart to contract, which may assist the physician in diagnosing and treating an arrhythmia.
Blood Tests: Additionally, a doctor may order blood tests to check for arrhythmia-related substances like magnesium, calcium, and thyroid hormones.

Treatment Of Heart Arrhythmias

Depending on whether you have a fast heartbeat (tachycardia) or a slow heartbeat (bradycardia), the treatment for heart arrhythmias varies. Treatment is not necessary for some heart arrhythmias. It may be suggested by your doctor that you have regular checkups to monitor your condition.

The treatment of heart arrhythmia is possibly required if the irregular heartbeat is causing notable symptoms, or if a condition is seriously jeopardizing you of more-serious heart issues. Treatment for heart arrhythmias may incorporate medications, treatments like vagal moves, cardioversion, catheter methodology, or heart surgical procedure.

Medications

The medications that are used to treat heart arrhythmias are determined by the kind of arrhythmia and the potential for complications,

For instance, most people with tachycardia are prescribed medications that slow the heart rate and restore normal heart rhythm.

If you are suffering from atrial fibrillation, your primary care physician may recommend blood thinners to prevent blood clots. You should take your meds as endorsed by your PCP to reduce your risk of complications.

The types of arrhythmia you have and any other conditions you may have affect the medication they give you. Examples of common medications include:

Calcium Channel Blockers: Amlodipine (Norvasc) and diltiazem (Cardizem CD) are examples of calcium channel blockers that can assist in lowering your heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-Blockers: Taking beta-blockers to treat tachycardia slows your heart rate. Beta-blockers may incorporate acebutolol (Sectral), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), and different drugs.
Antiarrhythmic Medications: Antiarrhythmic medications can treat tachycardia. Amiodarone (Pacerone, Nexterone), propafenone (Rythmol SR), flecainide (Tambocor), and others are examples of these.
Anticoagulants: Atrial fibrillation can lead to blood clots, which are prevented by anticoagulants. Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), and other blood-thinning medications are among them.

Therapies

Therapeutical treatment for heart arrhythmias includes cardioversion and vagal maneuvers to stop irregular heartbeat.

Vagal Actions: This treatment may be recommended by your doctor if you have supraventricular tachycardia, which causes a very rapid heartbeat. The vagus nerves, which control your heartbeat, are impacted by vagal maneuvers, which frequently slow your heart rate. Arrhythmia may prevent by coughing, submerging your face in ice water, or holding your breath and straining.
Cardioversion: This technique to reset the heartbeats or heart rhythm may be finished with drugs or as a method. If you have a particular kind of arrhythmia, like atrial fibrillation, your doctor may suggest this treatment to you.

Surgery

If the prescription or different medicines aren't sufficient to help your arrhythmia, you may require a minor medical procedure. A few techniques and implantable gadgets might assist with treating arrhythmia:

Ablation Via Catheter: A cardiologist threads flexible tubes known as catheters through your blood vessels to the appropriate region of your heart during catheter ablation. A small scar is made by releasing radiofrequency waves, heat, or cold temperatures through an electrode at the end of one of the catheters. Arrhythmias are caused by electrical waves being blocked by scar tissue.
Pacemaker: During minor surgery, a pacemaker can be inserted by a doctor. In the wake of making a little cut close to your shoulder, they guide little wires through your veins and spot them in your heart. The wires connect to a small generator that is powered by batteries and is inserted close to your collarbone. The generator can help regulate the heart's rhythm by sending an electrical pulse through the wire if it detects an abnormal rhythm.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD): An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), which is similar to a pacemaker, can be positioned close to your ribs, breastbone, or collarbone. If your arrhythmias threaten your life or put you at risk of cardiac arrest, it may be helpful. If your heart stops beating, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) can either send electric shocks to it to correct its rhythm or restart it.
Maze Procedure: Your surgeon will make small cuts on the upper half of your heart during the maze procedure to create scar tissue. The scars block electrical movement that can cause unpredictable heart rhythms.
Coronary Bypass Surgery: If you have extreme coronary supply route illness notwithstanding a heart arrhythmia, your PCP may perform coronary bypass surgery. Your heart's blood flow may increase as a result of this procedure.

Living With Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is mostly manageable. This intends that with the right treatment, you can continue living as you were before you were diagnosed with arrhythmias.

Living with an abnormal heartbeat can be emotionally challenging for yourself as well as your loved ones. It's important to control stress and anxiety and, if necessary, get help from your doctor or loved ones.

You need to ponder practical issues like driving, going on vacation, and getting back to work after being determined to have an arrhythmia.

If you think your job role needs to be changed to make it better fit you, talk to the occupational health department at your company.

Home Remedies & Lifestyle Modifications

If you have heart disease or another heart condition, your doctor probably will tell you to make some changes in your lifestyle to keep your heart as healthy as possible.

Changes in one's lifestyle that benefit the heart include:

Eat a healthy diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in salt and solid fats.
Regularly exercise for no less than 30 minutes.
Quit smoking.
Keep a healthy body weight
Control your cholesterol level and blood pressure. Make a way of life changes and accept drugs as recommended to oversee hypertension or elevated cholesterol.
Limit your alcohol consumption.
Keep up with follow-up care. Make sure you take your medications as directed and go to your doctor's office for regular checkups. Let your primary care physician know if your symptoms worsen.

Complications Of Heart Arrhythmias

Uneven heartbeats have the potential to result in serious complications such as:

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease: These mental problems might happen because your mind doesn't get sufficient blood over the long run.
Cardiovascular breakdown: After recurring arrhythmias, your heart may not pump as efficiently as it should.
Stroke: Clots can form in the blood that remains in your atria. A stroke may occur if a clot reaches the brain.
Heart failure: Ventricular failure could make your heart stop.