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What is an Abnormal Heartbeat (Arrhythmia)?
An Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) is a disorder of the heart that affects the degree or rhythm of the heartbeat; that’s basically how electricity works.
It occurs when the electrical impulses that guide and regulate the heartbeat do not function properly. It makes the heart beat:
too fast (tachycardia)
too slow (bradycardia)
too early (premature contraction)
too erratic (fibrillation)
The prevalence of Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)s is 1.5 to 5 percent of the population.
Your heart may seem to be pounding or fluttering. Or you may not feel unlike at all.
Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)s may be expected and usually harmless, but some may be problematic. Once an Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) interferes with blood flow to your body, it can damage:
brain
lungs
heart
other vital organs
If left untreated, Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)s can be life-threatening.
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Abnormal heartbeat (Arrhythmia) vs. Abnormal heartbeat (Arrhythmia)
Dysrhythmia is another name for Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia). Although there is a slight medical difference between the two, both are often used interchangeably to refer to an irregular heartbeat.
Types of Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)s are named and classified based on three factors:
speed, whether it’s too slow or too fast
origin, whether in the ventricles or atria
regularity
Electrical impulses follow a precise path through the heart in a regularly beating heart. These signs coordinate the activity of the heart muscle, allowing blood to flow in and out of the heart.
Any interruption of these pathways or impulses can cause an abnormal heartbeat, leading to an Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia). They can start in the sinus node, the ventricles (the heart’s lower chambers), or the atria (the upper chambers).
Categories of Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) may include:
bradycardia, in which the heart rate is too slow
tachycardia, in which the heart rate is too high
ventricular Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) that starts in the ventricles
supraventricular Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) that begins above the ventricles
premature heartbeat, in which the heart has an extra beat
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Bradycardia
Bradycardia occurs when the heart rate drops to less than 60 beats per minute.
Conditions that cause a slow heartbeat may include:
heart block
sinusitis
Sinus Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) is a type of sick sinus syndrome, a group of disorders associated with the sinus node. This condition might be present or grow due to another state, such as congenital heart disease or sleep apnea.
Tachycardia
Tachycardia occurs when the heart rate increases to more than 100 beats per minute.
This fast heartbeat can affect how your heart pumps blood. As a result, your ventricles may not be able to fill with enough blood to pump to the rest of your body.
Generally, if this condition lasts only a few minutes, it may not be serious. However, you may necessity immediate medical attention if it lasts more than 30 minutes or is accompanied by chest pain.
Ventricular Abnormal Heartbeat (Arrhythmia)s
Ventricular Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)s begin in the ventricles or lesser cavities of the heart.
Types of ventricular Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)s may include:
Ventricular tachycardia
ventricular fibrillation
premature ventricular beats (PVC) are extra heartbeats that start in the ventricles.
Torsades de Pointes is a rare but specific type of ventricular tachycardia that can be life-threatening.
Ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation may need immediate treatment, especially if you have other heart problems.
Ventricular Tachycardia
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) usually occurs in people with heart disease or heart problems, such as coronary artery disease or a previous heart attack. Still, it can also occur in those whose heart is structurally normal. This can cause a heart rate of 100 beats per minute or more, with the rhythm coming from the heart’s lower chamber.
Television is dangerous when it lasts for more than a few seconds. However, it can also lead to more thoughtful ventricular Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)s, such as ventricular fibrillation.
Ventricular Fibrillation
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) involves sudden, rapid, irregular, and erratic heartbeats in the ventricle. These erratic electrical impulses, sometimes caused by a heart attack, cause your heart’s ventricles to tremble.
When you suffer from this type of Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia), your ventricles cannot pump blood throughout your body, and your heart rate drops rapidly. It can cause sudden cardiac arrest and demise without immediate treatment.
Supraventricular Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)s or Abnormal atrial heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Atrial Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)s, also known as Abnormal supraventricular heartbeat (arrhythmia)s, instigate in the atria or upper chamber of the heart above the ventricles.
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) includes various Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)s originating over the ventricles. This is usually identified by bursts of vibrations that may begin and end abruptly. According to the UK Nationwide Health Service (NHS), they can cause sudden heart palpitations of more than 100 beats per minute, usually lasting a few minutes but longer, even hours.
Types of Abnormal supraventricular heartbeat (arrhythmia) may include:
atrial fibrillation
atrial flutter
atrial tachycardia
atrioventricular nodal reciprocal tachycardia (AVURT)
atrioventricular reciprocal tachycardia
supraventricular tachycardia
paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)
Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
Atrial Fibrillation
If you have atrial fibrillation, also known as AF or AF, your atria contract very quickly, up to 400 beats per minute. However, the atria move so fast that they cannot fully tighten. Instead, they tremble or fibrillate, and the ventricular rate is usually short.
The risk of developing AF increases after age 65 and in the presence of other diseases. If left whole, AF can lead to more difficult situations, such as a stroke.
Atrial Flutter
With atrial flutter (AF), the heart beats more rhythmically and steadily than with atrial fibrillation. Therefore, you may not experience any symptoms of Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia).
Atrial flutter occurs most often in people with heart disease, although it is less common than AF. It can also appear frequently in the first few weeks after heart surgery. Like AF, atrial flutter can be life-threatening.
Premature Heartbeat
A premature heartbeat can also sometimes lead to Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)s if you have another heart condition.
A premature heartbeat feels like your heart has missed a beat. Your normal heartbeat was probably interrupted by a too-fast moment, and you feel it after that early beat.
Sinus Abnormal heartbeat (Arrhythmia)
The sinus node uses electrical impulses to regulate the rhythm of the heartbeat. Sinus Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) is a rhythmic deviation from normal sinus rhythm. It is most commonly seen in healthy children and young adults and can indicate good cardiovascular health.
Sometimes this happens when breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, the nerve that communicates information from the organs to the brain. This can cause a difference in resting heart rate.
Sinus Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)s not associated with breathing may indicate an underlying disorder.
Scarring near the sinus node caused by heart disease or a heart attack can slow or block the electrical impulses that travel through the heart. As a result, it can cause Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)s and other cardiovascular diseases.
Sinus Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) is a common complaint in many people. However, for some, it can lead to heart complications.
Symptoms of Abnormal Heartbeat (Arrhythmia)
May not have any symptoms of an Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia). But, mutual signs may include:
feel like your heart skipped a beat
floating sensation in the neck or chest
cardiopalmus
slow or irregular heartbeat
Tell your doctor about your symptoms so that he can effectively diagnose and treat your Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia). You may also develop more severe symptoms of a malfunctioning heart, including:
chest pain or tightness
labored breathing
irregular pulse
weakness
dizziness or lightheadedness
fainting or close to fainting
fatigue
sweat
Cardiopalmus
Low Blood Pressure
Seek immediate medical attention if you knowledge any of these symptoms. Learn more about Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) symptoms and when to consult.
What does an Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) look like?
Sometimes [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)] are asymptomatic. You may not feel anything at all.
An [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)] can also make your heart feel like it’s beating irregularly, too fast, or too slow. You may feel a floating sensation in your chest.
The Reasons
[Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)] can have medical, physical, dynamic, or genetic causes. The reason may also be unknown.
In some people, antibiotics and other medications can cause [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)]. These may include drugs that treat:
High blood pressure
Depression
allergy
cold
Changes in blood flow or physical changes in the heart, such as scarring, can also cause an [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)]. Other medical conditions may also be a source. They may include:
high blood pressure
dehydration
thyroid disease
sleep apnea
Diabetes
electrolyte imbalances, such as little heights of calcium, potassium, or magnesium
anemia
Other physical or existence factors can also cause [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)] in some suitcases. These may include:
an exercise
cough
strong emotions such as anger, stress, or anxiety
alcohol consumption
smoking
Risk Factors
The presence of certain risk factors can increase the chance of developing an [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)]. However, not everyone who has these risk factors develops an irregular heartbeat.
Some risk factors for [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)] are associated with diseases. Others may be related to genetics, certain behaviors, or medications.
Conditions that may increase your risk of developing an [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)] may include:
cardiac ischemia
heart valve disease
heart attack or heart failure
cardiomyopathy (diseases of the heart muscle)
endocarditis (inflammation of the heart)
high blood pressure
sleep apnea
chronic lung disease
the overactive or underactive thyroid gland
kidney disease
heat
Diabetes
Other common risk factors for Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) may include:
elderly stage
certain medications, especially stimulants and antihistamines, sure of which are available without a prescription
air pollution
family history of [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)]
caffeine
alcohol
smoking
street drugs, especially cocaine or amphetamines
Making lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine, alcohol, and drug intake can reduce your risk of [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)].
Diagnostics
Doctors may use a variety of exams to diagnose an [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)]. These tests can also help determine why you have an irregular heartbeat. This information may help you with your action.
The subsequent tests may be used to help a doctor make a diagnosis:
your medical and family history
Medical Checkup
a range of exams to diagnose [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)], including an electrocardiogram (ECG)
Holter monitor, a portable ECG device that can be worn at home or through daily activities
In adding to an ECG, a doctor may also use a chest x-ray or echocardiogram to check for:
the size and shape of your emotion
the condition of the valves that help control blood flow in the heart
The doctor may also use additional tests to check for [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)]. These may contain:
Stress Test.
A stress test allows a doctor to screen heart rate during exercise to determine if stress is causing an [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)]. They may also use medication to increase their heart rate for the test if they have problems exercising.
Sleep Research.
A sleep study can show if sleep apnea is the source of your [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)].
Tilt table test. The tilt table test may be used if your [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)] has caused you to faint in the past. Your doctor will pattern your heart rate and blood pressure while lying on an inclined table.
Electrophysiological Tests.
Your doctor will insert thin electrode catheters through your veins into different areas of your heart to match the electrical signals during an electrophysiology study. The electrodes cause various heart parts to contract, which can help the doctor diagnose the [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)] and suggest treatment.
Blood Tests.
The doctor may order blood trials to check levels of substances such as magnesium, calcium, and thyroid hormones that can affect the [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)].
ECG
An electrocardiogram, an EKG or EKG, is often used to diagnose an [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)]. The doctor confers electrodes to your chest, arms, or legs, which measure and display the electrical activity of your heart.
ECG measurements show if the electrical activity is abnormally wild, slow, or uneven. The trial can also show if your heart is enlarged or has poor blood flow.
Your doctor may take an ECG while you are resting or exercising on a stationary bike or treadmill. The portable monitor can also take an ECG to look for abnormalities over an extended period.
ECGs carry little or no risk.
Heart Monitors
Because [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)] may be irregular and may not occur while you are in the doctor’s office, your doctor may ask you to use a heart monitor at home to help diagnose conditions.
Types of heart monitors may include:
Holter monitoring. A Holter monitor is a wearable monitor that records your heartbeat for 1 or 2 days but can last up to 14 days.
Event recorders. Event recorders are wearable monitors that can be used to record your heartbeat when you feel irregular.
Implantable loop recorder. Your doctor may implant a loop recorder under your skin to continuously monitor your heart rate and record rare [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)].
Prevention
[Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)] can develop for various reasons, some of which cannot be prevented. However, you can work on not causing or making the [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)] worse.
First, it’s essential to understand the cause of your [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)] to avoid behaviors and substances that can cause the condition.
Avoidable [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)] triggers may include:
stress/anxiety
smoking
caffeine
alcohol
some medicines
some street drugs
Talk to your doctor if you reason medications are causing the [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)]. Do not stop taking or changing medicines on your personal.
Certain good practices can also help manage and stop the [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)]. These may include:
eating a heart-healthy diet low in salt and fat
stop smoking
exercise regularly
maintain a healthy BMI
reduce stress
limit alcohol
support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Work with your doctor to grow a plan to help you manage your [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)], including steps you can take when symptoms appear.
Folk Remedies for Abnormal Heartbeat (Arrhythmia)
Lifestyle changes at home, including regular exercise and healthy eating, can help improve heart health and manage [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)].
Other complementary therapies may help with [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)], although more research is needed. For example, according to a 2020 review of research, yoga may help reduce the burden of [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)] and blood pressure, as well as improve heart rate. The authors suggest Eczema Dry Skin that this may be owing to an increase in vagal tone and a decrease in blood pressure fluctuations. However, further studies are needed to confirm this.
Acupuncture may also be an effective action for [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)], according to a 2017 review of research. However, the review notes that current research is limited.
Two reviews of studies published in 2017 found that magnesium and vitamin C supplements can reduce or prevent atrial fibrillation after heart surgery.
However, near is not enough evidence to recommend supplementation for [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)].
Talk to your doctor about any alternative treatment for [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)], especially supplements.
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Bottom Line
Cardiac [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)] are joint, and many people suffer from them. However, sometimes they can occur without other symptoms and leave no lasting effects.
It’s also normal to have heart palpitations during exercise when your heart is working hard to supply your tissues with oxygen-rich blood, so you don’t tire out too rapidly.
However, some kinds of [Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)] can be severe and require medical attention. Therefore, it is essential to get diagnosed to determine the best treatment plan.
