Understanding Heart Arrhythmias

Introduction

Heart arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that result from improper electrical impulses coordinating heartbeats. They can cause the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly (fibrillation or ectopic beats).

Types of Arrhythmias

1. Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate) :

   • Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) – Originates above the ventricles.
   • Ventricular Tachycardia – Arises in the ventricles and can be life-threatening.
   • Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) – Rapid, irregular beating of the atria, increasing stroke risk.

2. Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate) :

   • Sinus Bradycardia – Often normal but can be due to an underlying disease.
   • Heart Block – A disruption in electrical signals can lead to dangerously slow heartbeats.

3. Irregular Arrhythmias :

   • Atrial Flutter – Similar to AFib but organized electrical signals.
   • Premature Beats – Extra beats originating from the atria or ventricles.

Causes of Arrhythmias

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Diabetes
• Thyroid abnormalities
• Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., potassium, calcium, magnesium)
• Sleep apnea
• Excessive alcohol or caffeine intake
• Stress and anxiety

Symptoms of Heart Arrhythmias

• Palpitations (fluttering or pounding heart)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting or near fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort

Diagnosis

Doctors use various tests to diagnose arrhythmias: - Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) – Measures the heart’s electrical activity. - Holter Monitor – A 24-hour ECG for detecting intermittent arrhythmias. - Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound to assess heart structure and function. - Electrophysiological Study (EPS) – A detailed test to locate abnormal electrical signals. - Stress Test – Monitors the heart during exercise.

Treatment Options

1. Lifestyle Changes :

   • Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
   • Managing stress and anxiety
   • Maintaining a heart-healthy diet

2. Medications :

   • Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers for rate control
   • Antiarrhythmic drugs
   • Anticoagulants for stroke prevention (especially in AFib)

3. Medical Procedures :

   • Cardioversion – Electrical shock to restore normal rhythm.
   • Catheter Ablation – Destroys abnormal electrical pathways.
   • Pacemaker – For slow heart rates.
   • Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) – For life-threatening arrhythmias.

Prevention

• Regular physical exercise
• Monitoring blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels
• Avoiding dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
• Managing stress effectively

Heart arrhythmias can range from harmless to life-threatening. Early detection and management are crucial to reducing complications.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association (AHA) 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/16949478/

2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on Arrhythmias

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84