Heart Arrhythmia Types

Introduction

Heart arrhythmia refers to irregular heartbeats, which can be too fast, too slow, or erratic. Understanding the different types of arrhythmias is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Types of Arrhythmias

1. Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)

  • Defined as a heart rate below 60 beats per minute.
  • Causes include aging, heart disease, hypothyroidism, or medication side effects.
  • Symptoms: Fatigue, dizziness, fainting.

2. Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate)

  • A resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute.
  • It can be further categorized into:
    • Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Originates above the ventricles, causing rapid heartbeats.
    • Ventricular Tachycardia: Starts in the ventricles and may lead to serious complications.
  • Symptoms: Palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain.

3. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

  • A very common irregular heart rhythm causing rapid, uncoordinated atrial beats.
  • Increases the risk of stroke and heart failure.
  • Symptoms: Heart fluttering, fatigue, dizziness, chest discomfort.

4. Atrial Flutter

  • Similar to AFib but with a more organized electrical pattern.
  • May progress to atrial fibrillation if left untreated.

5. Premature Heartbeats

  • Extra beats that may originate from the atria or ventricles.
  • Usually harmless but can indicate underlying conditions.

6. Ventricular Fibrillation

  • A life-threatening condition where the heart quivers instead of contracting.
  • Requires immediate defibrillation.
  • Symptoms: Sudden collapse, loss of consciousness.

Conclusion

Arrhythmias require proper medical evaluation and management. If you experience symptoms like palpitations or dizziness, consult a cardiologist.

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://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
  2. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
  3. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
  4. https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/

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