Understanding Abnormal Heart Rhythm (Arrhythmia)

Introduction

The heart beats in a regular rhythm to pump blood effectively throughout the body. However, sometimes the electrical impulses that control the heartbeat become irregular, leading to a condition called arrhythmia. This can cause the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or in an uncoordinated manner (fibrillation).

Causes of Abnormal Heart Rhythms

Arrhythmias can arise due to various factors, including:

1. Heart-Related Causes

• Coronary artery disease (CAD): Blockages in the arteries can interrupt the blood supply to heart tissues, affecting its electrical signals.
• Heart attack (myocardial infarction): Damage to the heart muscle can disrupt normal electrical conduction.
• Structural heart defects: Conditions like valve diseases, cardiomyopathy, or congenital heart defects can lead to arrhythmias.
• Heart failure: When the heart becomes weak and enlarged, its electrical activity may become irregular.

2. Electrical System Disorders

• Sick sinus syndrome: A malfunction of the sinus node, the heart’s natural pacemaker.
• Heart block: A disruption in the electrical pathways that coordinate heartbeats.

3. Non-Cardiac Factors

• Electrolyte imbalance: Low or high levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium can disturb heart rhythms.
• Thyroid disorders: Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can affect heart rate.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): Increases strain on the heart, leading to electrical conduction issues.
• Diabetes: Increases risk of heart disease, which can contribute to arrhythmias.

4. Lifestyle and External Triggers

• Stimulants (caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, drugs): Can directly affect the heart’s electrical activity.
• Medications: Some drugs used for asthma, high blood pressure, or mental health conditions can cause arrhythmias.
• Stress and lack of sleep: Can lead to fluctuations in heart rate and rhythm.

Symptoms of Arrhythmia

Arrhythmias may not always cause symptoms, but when they do, they can include: - Palpitations (fluttering or pounding in the chest) - Dizziness or lightheadedness - Fainting (syncope) - Shortness of breath - Chest pain or discomfort - Fatigue

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek medical help if you experience persistent irregular heartbeats, severe dizziness, chest pain, or fainting, as these may indicate a serious underlying condition.

Conclusion

Understanding the causes of abnormal heart rhythms is essential for early detection and management. Lifestyle changes, medication, or medical procedures like pacemakers or ablation may be necessary to maintain normal heart rhythm.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmia

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://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2023-acc-aha-accp-hrs-guideline-for-the-diagnosis-and-management-of-atrial-fibrillation

2. European Society of Cardiology 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/26320108/
5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84