Cardiac arrhythmia, also known as irregular heartbeat, is a condition in which the heart beats too fast, too slow or with an irregular rhythm. This can interrupt the normal flow of blood and oxygen to the body, causing various health issues. In this blog, we will take a closer look at cardiac arrhythmia, its causes, types, symptoms and treatment.
Causes of Cardiac Arrhythmia:
The heart has an electrical system that controls the rhythm of its contractions. In a healthy heart, the electrical signals are sent in a coordinated manner, resulting in a regular heartbeat. However, if something disrupts this electrical system, it can lead to cardiac arrhythmia. Some of the common causes of cardiac arrhythmia include heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, electrolyte imbalance, and alcohol and drug abuse.
Types of Cardiac Arrhythmia:
- Tachycardia: This type refers to a rapid heartbeat of more than 100 beats per minute. It can be further classified into supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia.
- Bradycardia: This type refers to a slow heartbeat of less than 60 beats per minute. It can be caused by a malfunction in the heart's natural pacemaker or an underlying heart condition.
- Atrial Fibrillation: In this type, the electrical signals in the heart's upper chambers (atria) are chaotic, resulting in a fast and irregular heartbeat.
- Atrial Flutter: Similar to atrial fibrillation, this type also causes fast and irregular heartbeats, but the electrical signals in the atria are more organized.
- Premature Contractions: These are early heartbeats that occur before the next expected normal heartbeat. They can be harmless or can be a sign of an underlying heart condition.
Symptoms of Cardiac Arrhythmia:
- Palpitations (feeling like your heart is racing or fluttering)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fainting or near-fainting episodes
Weakness
It is important to note that some people may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may have severe symptoms that can significantly impact their daily life.
Treatment for Cardiac Arrhythmia:
The treatment for cardiac arrhythmia depends on the type, severity, and underlying cause of the condition. Some common treatment options include medications, cardioversion, catheter ablation, implantable devices and lifestyle changes.
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