About-Cardio
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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.
Arrhythmia Classification
Introduction
Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats with an irregular rhythm. It can be too fast, too slow, or erratic. Understanding the types of arrhythmias helps in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Classification of Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are classified based on their origin and effect on heart rate.
1. Based on Origin
Atrial Arrhythmias (Originate in the atria)
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib) – Rapid and irregular atrial contractions.
- Atrial flutter – More organized but still a rapid atrial rhythm.
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) – Fast heartbeat originating above the ventricles.
Ventricular Arrhythmias (Originate in the ventricles)
- Ventricular tachycardia (VT) – A fast and regular rhythm from the ventricles.
- Ventricular fibrillation (VFib) – A rapid and chaotic electrical activity leading to cardiac arrest.
- Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) – Extra, abnormal beats from the ventricles.
2. Based on Heart Rate
- Tachyarrhythmias – Fast heart rate (>100 BPM), e.g., atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
- Bradyarrhythmias – Slow heart rate (<60 BPM), e.g., sinus bradycardia and heart block.
3. Based on Regularity
- Regular Arrhythmias – A consistent pattern, such as ventricular tachycardia.
- Irregular Arrhythmias – No predictable pattern, such as atrial fibrillation.
4. Based on Mechanism
- Automaticity Disorders – The heart generates extra impulses (e.g., atrial tachycardia).
- Reentrant Arrhythmias – Abnormal electrical loops (e.g., AVNRT - atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia).
- Triggered Activity – Early or delayed impulses causing arrhythmias (e.g., torsades de pointes).
Summary
Arrhythmias vary in type and severity. Some are harmless, while others need urgent treatment. Proper diagnosis using ECG and clinical evaluation is crucial.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association - Guidelines for the Management of Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/prevention--treatment-of-arrhythmia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16949478/
2. European Society of Cardiology - Guidelines for Cardiac Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(23)02246-4/fulltext
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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!
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