Heart Arrhythmia

The heart beats in a regular manner to pump blood to the body, but in the case of heart arrhythmias, there is a disorder in the heart rhythm that leads to several problems and symptoms, which might be severe sometimes.

Heart arrhythmia

Heart arrhythmia is a disorder in the heartbeats that makes it beat faster or slower than normal. Cardiac arrhythmia could be mild and not cause any problems, but it could be serious in some cases and cause serious problems, such as cardiac arrest.

Normally, the heart beats 60-100 beats per minute, but in the case of an arrhythmia, one of these conditions might occur:

• Tachycardia: the heartbeats are more than 100 beats per minute, and its types are atrial fibrillation (the most common), ventricular fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and supraventricular tachycardia.
• Bradycardia: the heartbeats are less than 60 beats per minute, and its types are sick sinus syndrome and conduction block.
• Premature heartbeats: it occurs when more than one beat occurs at the same time, and the patient feels like the heart skipped a beat.

Causes and risk factors leading to heart arrhythmias

• A damage from a heart attack.
• High blood pressure.
• A change in the heart structure, such as cardiomyopathy.
• Coronary artery disease.
• Problems in the heart valves.
• Diabetes.
• Thyroid problems.
• Sleep apnea.
• Stress or anxiety.
• Smoking.
• Electrolyte imbalance in the blood.
• Congenital heart problems.
• Excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption.
• Using illegal drugs.
• Some medications and herbs.
• Obesity and overweight.

Symptoms of heart arrhythmias

• Rapid or slow heartbeat.
• Heart palpitations.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Fainting.
• Pain or discomfort in the chest.
• Tiredness and weakness.
• Sweating.
• Cardiac arrhythmias could lead to heart failure, cardiac arrest, and stroke.

Diagnosis of heart arrhythmias

• Physical examination.
• Special heart tests.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of heart arrhythmias

• Medications.
• Following a healthy lifestyle.
• Some procedures, such as electrical shocks and a permanent pacemaker.
• Some surgeries, such as coronary artery bypass surgery.

Prevention of heart arrhythmias

• Follow a healthy lifestyle.
• Avoid smoking.
• Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption.
• Lose weight if needed.
• Manage stress.
• Sleep enough.