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Arrhythmia

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Definition:

  • Arrhythmia is an irregular heart rhythm, causing the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or erratically, impacting its blood-pumping efficiency.

Types of Arrhythmias:

Types of Arrhythmias

  1. Tachycardia: Fast heart rate (>100 bpm), e.g., Atrial fibrillation, Ventricular tachycardia.

  2. Bradycardia: Slow heart rate (<60 bpm), e.g., Sinus bradycardia, Heart block.

  3. Premature Contractions: Early beats (PACs, PVCs).

  4. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Irregular, rapid beats from the atria.

  5. Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib): Chaotic, life-threatening rhythm from the ventricles.

Causes:

  • Coronary artery disease, electrolyte imbalances, high blood pressure, heart valve disorders, congenital defects, lifestyle factors (e.g., caffeine, alcohol), and certain medications.

Symptoms:

  • Palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting (in severe cases).

Diagnosis:

  • ECG, Holter monitor, event recorder, echocardiogram, and electrophysiological studies.

Treatment:

  1. Lifestyle Modifications: Limit caffeine/alcohol, manage stress, quit smoking.

  2. Medications: Anti-arrhythmias, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers.

  3. Medical Procedures: Electrical cardioversion, pacemaker, ICD, catheter ablation.

  4. Surgical Interventions: Maze procedure to guide electrical signals.


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