Understanding Arrhythmia and ECG

Introduction

Arrhythmia is a condition where the heart beats irregularly—either too fast, too slow, or with an erratic rhythm. It occurs due to problems in the electrical signals that coordinate heartbeats.

Types of Arrhythmia:

  • Tachycardia : Heart beats too fast (>100 bpm).
  • Bradycardia : Heart beats too slow (<60 bpm).
  • Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) : Irregular and fast heartbeat, increasing the risk of stroke.
  • Ventricular Fibrillation : A life-threatening condition where the heart quivers instead of pumping blood.
  • Premature Beats : Extra heartbeats occurring before the natural rhythm.

What is an ECG (Electrocardiogram)?

An ECG is a medical test that records the heart’s electrical activity to detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions.

How an ECG Works:

  • Electrodes are placed on the skin to measure electrical impulses.
  • The data is displayed as waves on a paper or screen.
  • Irregular patterns may indicate arrhythmia, heart block, or ischemia.

Symptoms of Arrhythmia

  • Palpitations (fluttering sensation in the chest)
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue

Causes and Risk Factors

  • High blood pressure
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Electrolyte imbalances
  • Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption
  • Stress and smoking

Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Diagnosis : ECG, Holter monitoring, stress testing, echocardiogram.
  • Treatment : Lifestyle changes, medications (e.g., beta-blockers), pacemakers, catheter ablation, or surgery.

Conclusion

Arrhythmias are common and can vary from harmless to life-threatening. Early detection through an ECG and proper management can significantly improve heart health.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmias

  1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
  2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
  3. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia
  4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Arrhythmia Management

  1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
  2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
  3. https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
  5. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821

Our advantages:

patient2376100
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.
prescription18648039
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.
fvfflf7q
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).
1xr4duup
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.
arrow
Please register in order to receive information regarding possible complications and new approaches to treatment of cardiovascular diseases via email in our Newsletters.
arrow