What is Arrhythmia?

Introduction

Arrhythmia is a medical condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat . It occurs when the electrical signals that coordinate the heart's beats do not function properly, causing the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or with an abnormal rhythm.

Types of Arrhythmias

1. Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate): The heart beats less than 60 times per minute.
2. Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate): The heart beats more than 100 times per minute.
3. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): A common type of irregular heartbeat where the upper chambers of the heart beat chaotically.
4. Atrial Flutter: Similar to AFib but with regular patterns of abnormal electrical activity.
5. Ventricular Tachycardia: A fast, regular heartbeat starting from the lower chambers of the heart.
6. Ventricular Fibrillation: A dangerous, chaotic heartbeat that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
7. Premature Heartbeats: Extra or skipped heartbeats that disturb the normal rhythm.

Causes of Arrhythmia

• Heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, heart failure)
• Electrolyte imbalances (potassium, sodium, calcium issues)
• High blood pressure
• Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism)
• Substance use (alcohol, caffeine, drugs, smoking)
• Stress and anxiety
• Side effects of medications
• Genetic predisposition

Symptoms

• Palpitations (feeling like your heart is racing or skipping beats)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Fainting (syncope)

Diagnosis

Doctors use the following tests to diagnose arrhythmia: - Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Measures electrical activity of the heart. - Holter monitor: A portable ECG worn for 24–48 hours to detect irregularities. - Event monitor: A wearable device used over a longer period. - Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to evaluate heart structure and function. - Electrophysiology study (EPS): Tests the electrical activity of the heart.

Treatment

Lifestyle Changes

• Quit smoking and limit alcohol/caffeine.
• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques.

Medications

• Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol) to slow heart rate.
• Antiarrhythmic drugs to stabilize heart rhythm.
• Blood thinners (anticoagulants) to prevent clots in certain conditions like AFib.

Medical Procedures

• Pacemaker: A device implanted to regulate slow heartbeats.
• Cardioversion: Electrical shock to restore normal heart rhythm.
• Ablation Therapy: Procedure to destroy abnormal electrical pathways in the heart.
• Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): A device to prevent life-threatening arrhythmias.

Conclusion

Arrhythmias range from harmless to life-threatening. Early detection and proper management can help improve quality of life and prevent severe complications such as stroke and cardiac arrest. Always consult a cardiologist if you experience symptoms of an irregular heartbeat.

Source recommendations

1. 2023 American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines on Arrhythmia Management

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
2. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38043043/
4. https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2023-acc-aha-accp-hrs-guideline-for-the-diagnosis-and-management-of-atrial-fibrillation
5. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/early-rhythm-control-lifestyle-modification-and-more-tailored-stroke-risk-assessment-are-top-goals-in-managing-atrial-fibrillation

2. 2022 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
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/42/5/373/5899003