About-Cardio
-
We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Arrhythmias)
Introduction
The heart normally beats in a steady rhythm, controlled by electrical signals. When these signals become irregular, it results in an abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia. Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others can be dangerous and require medical attention.
Types of Arrhythmias
Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate) – More than 100 beats per minute.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Irregular and rapid beating of the atria.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Fast heartbeats from above the ventricles.
- Ventricular Tachycardia: A fast and potentially life-threatening rhythm from the ventricles.
Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate) – Fewer than 60 beats per minute.
- Sinus Bradycardia: Can be normal, especially in athletes.
- Heart Block: Electrical signals are delayed or blocked, disturbing rhythm.
Premature Heartbeats – Extra beats that can originate from the atria or ventricles.
Causes of Abnormal Rhythms
- Heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart failure)
- Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium or magnesium)
- Thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism)
- High blood pressure
- Medication side effects
- Excessive caffeine, alcohol, or smoking
- Stress and anxiety
Symptoms of Arrhythmias
- Palpitations (fluttering sensation in chest)
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fatigue
- Sudden collapse in severe cases
When to Seek Medical Help?
- If you experience frequent or severe episodes of palpitations.
- If you faint or have unexplained dizziness.
- If you have underlying heart disease and detect rhythm changes.
- If you feel chest pain or shortness of breath.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – Records heart electrical activity.
- Holter Monitor – Tracks heart rhythm for 24–48 hours.
- Echocardiogram – Evaluates heart structure and function.
- Electrophysiology Study (EPS) – Assesses electrical pathways.
Treatment Options:
- Lifestyle changes (limiting caffeine, stopping smoking)
- Medications (beta-blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs)
- Pacemaker (for bradycardia conditions)
- Ablation therapy (destroying problematic electrical pathways)
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) for life-threatening rhythms
Conclusion
Abnormal heart rhythms range from mild to life-threatening. Identifying and treating them early can prevent complications. If you have concerns about your heart rhythm, consult a cardiologist for proper evaluation.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Arrhythmia Management
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3314/7738779
-
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Get second opinion
Here you can learn everything that even your doctor may not know about cardiology (if he does not speak English and he does not read 117 leading medical journals on cardiology every month).
The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.