Arrhythmia

May. 27 Basics, The Science Comments Off

The heart should beat with a regular methodical rhythm, when this is not the case it is known as an arrhythmia. It is an irregular heartbeat, which in some cases is inconsequential, but in other cases it can lead to far more serious consequences. This regular rhythm of the heart is called the sinus rhythm, as a collection of the heart cells, which are called the sinus node, controls the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. Between 50 to a hundred beats a minute is regarded as within the normal band.

TYPES OF ARRHYTHMIA

BRADYCARDIA

Bradycardia occurs when the heart is beating more slowly than fifty to sixty times a minute. The impulses that control a steady heartbeat, are blocked, delayed, or slowed down. It can occur as a result of age, metabolic disturbances, as a result of taking certain medications, or as a result of a pre-existing heart disease.

SINUS BRADYCARDIA

This type of bradycardia, may be perfectly normal, it occurs, in cases of deep meditation, or relaxation, and it is normal in athletes.

Bradycardia can occur in various areas of the heart, and the severity of the symptoms governs the type of treatment required.

SYMPTOMS OF BRADYCARDIA:

  • Tiredness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling faint
  • Dizziness

TACHCARDIA

This is a rapid heart rate usually over 100 beats a minute.

SINUS TACHYCARDIA

Sinus tachycardia is due to rapid firing of a normal structure called the sinoatrial (SA NODE) the hearts natural pacemaker. It occurs naturally when the body is exercising, there exists a high level of excitement, or fear, and when a fever is present. It can be caused when the body produces excessive amounts of hormones in the thyroid gland, or when the blood is low in oxygen. Stimulant drugs such as amphetamines, or coffee can also be a cause.

PAROXYSMAL ATRIAL TACHYCARDIA (PAT)

PAT is a type of arrhythmia, where the abnormality is in the electrical relay system of the heart, yet the heart muscles, and valves may be normal.

This rapid irregular heartbeat always originates in either of the atria, the upper chambers of the heart; it is often due to an abnormality in the relay system. When certain conditions are present, there is a rapid relay of electrical impulses from the atrium, which bypass the AV node. These conditions are induced by excessive alcohol intake, caffeine, an overactive thyroid gland, as well as the use of certain drugs.

VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA

Ventricular tachycardia, is an abnormal heart rhythm, which originates from the area of the lower heart. They are often life threatening, and are usually associated with a heart attack or the scarring of the muscles in the heart as a result of a previous heart attack. However despite the fact that they can be life threatening, they do also occur from time to time on almost everyone, and are no more dangerous than a cold. If you are suffering from Ventricular tachycardia, it needs careful evaluation to determine a level of risk.

SYMPTOMS OF TACHYCARDIA:

  • Heartbeat might feel like a strong pulse in your neck
  • Fluttering, racing beat in your chest
  • Feelings of discomfort, and weakness,
  • Shortness breath, faint, sweaty, and dizzy.

SYMPTOMS OF ARRHYTHMIA

  • An awareness that the heart has skipped a beat.
  • A fluttering sensation in the chest.
  • Palpitations
  • A throbbing in the chest

Most temporary and benign arrhythmias are those where your heart skips a beat or has an additional beat. The occasional skip or extra beat is often caused by the occasional changes can be brought on by strong emotions or heavy exercise.

In more serious cases, these symptoms may also be experienced,

  • Dizziness or faintness
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath

RISK FACTORS

  • Caffeine
  • Smoking
  • Drugs
  • Alcohol
  • Stress.

DIAGNOSIS OF ARRHYTHMIA

The Electrocardiogram (ECG) is the basis for all arrhythmia diagnosis. The ECG tracing is a series of waves that represent the electrical events of the various chambers and conduction pathways within the heart. The small initial wave, called the P wave, represents the electrical activation of the atria. Next comes the QRS complex, the tallest wave on the ECG, representing the stimulation of the ventricles. Finally, the T wave represents the period when the ventricles recover their electrical forces so they may be stimulated again.ECG trace example

An electrocardiogram is a measurement of the electrical activity of the heart. By placing electrodes at specific locations on the body a tracing, of the electrical activity can be obtained as the electrical activity is received and interpreted by an ECG machine.

Electrophysiologic Study (EPS) — An invasive test in which a small, thin tube (catheter) is inserted through the groin or neck and passed into the heart. This allows the doctor to trace the site of the arrhythmia’s origin within the heart tissue, thus giving more information as to treatment.

TREATMENT

Your physician will determine specific treatment for arrhythmias, based on your age, overall health, and your medical history, as well as the seriousness of your condition. They can include lifestyle modification, medicines, and in certain cases surgery.

LIFE STYLE CHANGES

Stress reduction

Elimination of caffeine

Reduction of alcohol intake

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