how do you describe arrhythmia

What is an arrhythmia and how is it treated?

The arrhythmia group includes various forms of rhythm disturbance, each of which is treated accordingly by medical protocols. Arrhythmias that do not cause patients with subjective discomfort, which are not complicated by hemodynamic disturbances and which are not life-threatening, do not require specific treatment.

How serious is arrhythmia?

Some changes in heart rate and rhythm are normal during sleep, physical activity and moments of stress. But other times, irregular heart rhythm, or arrhythmia, may be a serious problem. Untreated arrhythmias such as tachycardia or atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF) can have serious consequences, including cardiac arrest and stroke.

When should you worry about arrhythmia?

These are the symptoms to watch for:

• Sensation of a “fluttering” heartbeat
• Rapid heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Shortness of breath

What is meant by an arrhythmia?

An arrhythmia is an abnormality of the heart's rhythm. It may beat too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly. These abnormalities range from a minor inconvenience or discomfort to a potentially fatal problem.

How do you describe heart arrhythmia?

A heart arrhythmia (uh-RITH-me-uh) is an irregular heartbeat. Heart rhythm problems (heart arrhythmias) occur when the electrical signals that coordinate the heart's beats don't work properly. The faulty signaling causes the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia) or irregularly.

What are the 4 types of arrhythmias?

There are five main types of arrhythmias, described by the speed of heart rate they cause and where they begin in the heart....Ventricular arrhythmiasVentricular fibrillation.Ventricular tachycardia.Premature ventricular beats (PVCs)Torsades de pointes.

How does an arrhythmia make you feel?

Symptoms of arrhythmias include palpitations, feeling dizzy, fainting and being short of breath, although having these symptoms does not always mean you have a heart rhythm problem. Arrhythmia Alliance's heart rhythm checklists can help you gather information to discuss with your GP if you have any of these symptoms.

What is the difference between heart palpitations and arrhythmia?

A heart that beats irregularly, too fast or too slow is experiencing an arrhythmia. A palpitation is a short-lived feeling like a feeling of a heart racing or of a short-lived arrhythmia. Palpitations may be caused by emotional stress, physical activity or consuming caffeine or nicotine.

Which arrhythmia is the most serious?

The most serious arrhythmia is ventricular fibrillation, which is an uncontrolled, irregular beat. Instead of one misplaced beat from the ventricles, you may have several impulses that begin at the same time from different locations—all telling the heart to beat.

What is the difference between arrhythmia and AFib?

Atrial Fibrillation, also called AFib, is the most common form of arrhythmia and occurs more frequently as we age. It happens when the upper chambers quiver rather than beating regularly and effectively. People with AFib often experience palpitations, fatigue, chest discomfort or shortness of breath.

What is the main cause of arrhythmia?

The most common type of arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation, which causes an irregular and fast heart beat. Many factors can affect your heart's rhythm, such as having had a heart attack, smoking, congenital heart defects, and stress. Some substances or medicines may also cause arrhythmias.

Does heart arrhythmia make you tired?

When arrhythmias (including AFib) last long enough to affect how well the heart works, more serious symptoms may develop: Fatigue or weakness. Dizziness or lightheadedness.

How do you fix an arrhythmia?

Treatment for heart arrhythmias may include medications, therapies such as vagal maneuvers, cardioversion, catheter procedures or heart surgery....Pacemakers, defibrillatorCatheter ablation. ... Pacemaker. ... Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). ... Maze procedure. ... Coronary bypass surgery.

Why does arrhythmia come and go?

Arrhythmias are caused by problems with the heart's electrical conduction system. Abnormal (extra) signals may occur. Electrical signals may be blocked or slowed. Electrical signals travel in new or different pathways through the heart.

Can anxiety cause arrhythmias?

Can anxiety contribute to arrhythmias? Yes. As described above, when we are stressed or anxious our heart perceives this as an impending threat, triggering our fight or flight response in which adrenaline is released, which can trigger arrhythmia, in turn triggering an additional release of adrenaline.

How do I get my irregular heartbeat back to normal?

But to head them off, you can try simple lifestyle changes, like:Avoiding caffeine.Getting enough sleep.Avoiding or cutting back on alcohol.Stopping smoking.Staying away from stimulant drugs, including cold medicines that contain pseudoephedrine.Finding ways to relax and manage stress.

What arrhythmias are life threatening?

Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib) is the most serious arrhythmia and is a life threatening medical emergency.

How do you fix arrhythmia?

Treatment for heart arrhythmias may include medications, therapies such as vagal maneuvers, cardioversion, catheter procedures or heart surgery....Pacemakers, defibrillatorCatheter ablation. ... Pacemaker. ... Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). ... Maze procedure. ... Coronary bypass surgery.

What is another name for arrhythmia?

An arrhythmia (also called dysrhythmia) is an irregular or abnormal heartbeat.

What happens if arrhythmia is left untreated?

Arrhythmias are treatable with medicine or procedures to control the irregular rhythms. If not treated, arrhythmias can damage the heart, brain, or other organs. This can lead to life-threatening stroke, heart failure, or cardiac arrest.

What causes a drop in blood pressure?

A type of arrhythmia called ventricular fibrillation can cause a dramatic drop in blood pressure. Collapse can occur within seconds and soon the person's breathing and pulse will stop. If this occurs, follow these steps:

What is supraventricular tachycardia?

Supraventricular tachycardia is a broad term that includes many forms of arrhythmia originating above the ventricles (supraventricular) in the atria or AV node. These types of arrhythmia seem to cause sudden episodes of palpitations that begin and end abruptly. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

Where do premature heartbeats come from?

The extra beats may come from the top chamber of the heart (premature atrial contractions) or the bottom chamber (premature ventricular contractions).

What does it mean when your heart beats too fast?

Heart rhythm problems (heart arrhythmias) occur when the electrical impulses that coordinate your heartbeats don't work properly, causing your heart to beat too fast, too slow or irregularly. Heart arrhythmias (uh-RITH-me-uhs) may feel like a fluttering or racing heart and may be harmless.

What are the complications of heart arrhythmias?

Complications depend on the type of arrhythmia. In general, complications of heart arrhythmias may include stroke, sudden death and heart failure.

What are the substances that affect the heart?

Substances in your blood called electrolytes — such as potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium — help trigger and conduct the electrical impulses in your heart. Electrolyte levels that are too high or too low can affect your heart's electrical impulses and contribute to arrhythmia development.

What is heart arrhythmia?

A heart arrhythmia (uh-RITH-me-uh) is an irregular heartbeat. Heart rhythm problems (heart arrhythmias) occur when the electrical signals that coordinate the heart's beats don't work properly. The faulty signaling causes the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia) or irregularly.

What is the difference between tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation?

Tachycardia = very fast heart rate. Ventricular Fibrillation = disorganized contraction of the lower chambers of the heart. Other Rhythm Disorders. Types of Arrhythmia in Children. The normal heart is a strong, muscular pump a little larger than a fist. It pumps blood continuously through the circulatory system.

What is the purpose of secondary pacemakers?

Secondary pacemakers elsewhere in the heart provide a "back-up" rhythm when the sinus node doesn't work properly or when impulses are blocked somewhere in the conduction system. An arrhythmia occurs when: The heart's natural pacemaker develops an abnormal rate or rhythm. The normal conduction pathway is interrupted.

Why does my heart pump less?

But if arrhythmias last longer, they may cause the heart rate to be too slow or too fast or the heart rhythm to be erratic – so the heart pumps less effectively.

What is the name of the system that sends electrical impulses to the ventricles?

From the AV node, electrical impulses travel down a group of specialized fibers called the His-Purkinje system to all parts of the ventricles. This exact route must be followed for the heart to pump properly. As long as the electrical impulse is transmitted normally, the heart pumps and beats at a regular pace.

Why does my heart beat so fast?

The electrical impulses may happen too fast, too slowly, or erratically – causing the heart to beat too fast, too slowly, or erratically. When the heart doesn't beat properly, it can't pump blood effectively. When the heart doesn't pump blood effectively, the lungs, brain and all other organs can't work properly and may shut down or be damaged. ...

What is the heart's natural pacemaker?

The heart beat (contraction) begins when an electrical impulse from the sinoatrial node (also called the SA node or sinus node ) moves through it. The SA node is sometimes referred to as the heart's "natural pacemaker" because it initiates impulses for the heartbeat.

What are the four heart valves?

The four heart valves are: Tricuspid valve, located between the right atrium and right ventricle. Pulmonary or pulmonic valve, between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. Mitral valve, between the left atrium and left ventricle. Aortic valve, between the left ventricle and the aorta.

What are heart arrhythmias?

Heart arrhythmias occur when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly or irregularly. Remember that a heart arrhythmia is different from a heart attack. Heart arrhythmias are caused by electrical problems. Sometimes, it's just a single skipped beat, but arrhythmias can last minutes, hours, days and possibly years. Occasionally, the heart’s electrical signals get caught in a little short-circuit loop. These type of arrhythmias include paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) atrial flutter and ventricular tachycardia. Atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common abnormal heart rhythm disturbance across the globe, is characterized by fast, irregular heartbeats that start in the upper heart chambers. AFib can make the heart prone to blood clots because its organized contractions have gone astray, increasing the risk for stroke. AFib also can promote the development of, or exacerbate, congestive heart failure.

What are the symptoms of an arrhythmia?

It depends on the arrhythmia: If your heart rate is too slow, you can feel tired, dizzy or even faint. If your heart rate is too fast, it can feel like your heart is racing or pounding in the chest. Some patients can be desensitized to abnormal heart rhythms. Fatigue and poor exercise tolerance are common symptoms of many arrhythmias. So everything from feeling nothing to fatigue, shortness of breath, heart pounding and fainting is the spectrum of what we see with arrhythmias.

What is the most common abnormal heart rhythm disturbance across the globe?

These type of arrhythmias include paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) atrial flutter and ventricular tachycardia. Atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common abnormal heart rhythm disturbance across the globe, is characterized by fast, irregular heartbeats that start in the upper heart chambers.

What is a patient with atrial fibrillation undergoing?

A patient with atrial fibrillation is undergoing catheter ablation.

What is catheter ablation?

Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that involves pinpointing, then destroying, the tissue causing the arrhythmia with extreme cold or heat energy. In rare cases, heart surgery may also be an option for some patients.

How long does an arrhythmia last?

Heart arrhythmias are caused by electrical problems. Sometimes, it's just a single skipped beat, but arrhythmias can last minutes, hours, days and possibly years. Occasionally, the heart’s electrical signals get caught in a little short-circuit loop.

What to do if you have an arrhythmia?

If you have an arrhythmia, speak with your doctor about what amount and what type of exercise is right and safe for you. Depending on the type of arrhythmia you have and whether you have other heart conditions, a pacemaker or a defibrillator, you may have to avoid certain activities like contact sports.

What Is Arrhythmia?

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

What is the name of the condition that affects the heart's natural rhythm?

Arrhythmia describes a group of conditions that affect the heart’s natural rhythm. Different types of arrhythmias cause the heart to beat too fast, too slowly, or in an irregular pattern. The Stanford Cardiac Arrhythmia Center provides expert, comprehensive care for people with all types of arrhythmias. Our electrophysiologists (specialists in the ...

What is Stanford Cardiac Arrhythmia Service?

The Stanford Cardiac Arrhythmia Service is not only dedicated to treating its patients with the finest treatment options available, but also to advancing those treatments. Clinical research studies may be sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, other governmental agencies, or industry.

How many faculty members are there at Stanford Center for Arrhythmia Research?

The Stanford Center for Arrhythmia Research has assembled more than 40 faculty who represent numerous disciplines and are collaborating to solve arrhythmia related problems.

What is the cause of a woman's arrhythmia?

That means that as women go through changes in their lives, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause, their risk for developing an arrhythmia increases.

How to contact Gerri O'Riordan?

To learn more about the clinical trials we offer, contact Gerri O'Riordan at 650-725-5597. Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

How to treat arrhythmias?

An effective treatment for arrhythmia is an implantable loop recorder, a tiny device implanted under the skin near the heart to measure the heart’s electrical activity. When implanting this device, our surgeons use a special technique so women can continue to get breast cancer screenings and mammograms without disturbing the monitor.

What drugs can you take to treat arrhythmia?

Street drugs such as cocaine, marijuana and “speed” or methamphetamines. If you're being treated for arrhythmia and use any of these substances, be sure to discuss this with your doctor.

What are the causes of irregular heartbeats?

Certain substances can contribute to an abnormal/irregular heartbeat, including: Caffeine. Tobacco. Alcohol. Cold and cough medications. Appetite suppressants. Psychotropic drugs (used to treat certain mental illnesses) Antiarrhythmics (paradoxically, the same drugs used to treat arrhythmia can also cause arrhythmia.

What is clinical trial?

Clinical trials are scientific studies that determine if a possible new medical advance can help people and whether it has harmful side effects. Find answers to common questions about clinical trials in our Guide to Understanding Clinical Trials.

How to count the number of beats in one minute?

Put the second and third fingers of one hand on the inside of the wrist of the other hand, just below the thumb OR on the side of your neck, just below the corner of your jaw. Feel for the pulse. Count the number of beats in one full minute.

How to prevent AFIB?

Especially for people with AFib, prevent blood clots from forming to reduce stroke risk. Control your heart rate within a relatively normal range. Restore a normal heart rhythm, if possible. Treat heart disease/condition that may be causing arrhythmia. Reduce other risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

Do you need treatment for arrhythmias?

Do you need treatment? Most arrhythmias are considered harmless and are left untreated.

Can you stop taking prescriptions without consulting your doctor?

Never stop taking any prescription medication without first consulting your healthcare provider.

How do you treat arrhythmias?

Treatment for heart arrhythmias may also involve catheter procedures or surgery to implant a heart (cardiac) device. Certain arrhythmias may require open-heart surgery.

How does catheter ablation work?

In catheter ablation, catheters are threaded through the blood vessels to the inner heart, and electrodes at the catheter tips map the spread of electrical impulses through the heart . Electrodes at the catheter tips transmit energy to destroy a small spot of heart tissue and create an electrical block along the pathway that's causing your arrhythmia.

What is an ICD for cardiac arrest?

An ICD is a battery-powered unit that's implanted under the skin near the collarbone — similar to a pacemaker.

How does cardioversion work?

If you have a certain type of arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation, your doctor may use cardioversion, which can be conducted as a procedure or by using medications. In the procedure, a shock is delivered to your heart through paddles or patches on your chest.

What to do if you think you have a heart arrhythmia?

If you think you may have a heart arrhythmia, make an appointment with your family doctor. If a heart arrhythmia is found early, your treatment may be easier and more effective. Eventually, however, you may be referred to a doctor trained in heart conditions (cardiologist).

What to do if you have an arrhythmia and you have difficulty exercising?

If doctors are evaluating you to determine if coronary artery disease may be causing the arrhythmia, and you have difficulty exercising, then your doctor may use a drug to stimulate your heart in a way that's similar to exercise. Tilt table test. Your doctor may recommend this test if you've had fainting spells.

Why do doctors use pacemakers?

If slow heartbeats (bradycardias) don't have a cause that can be corrected, doctors often treat them with a pacemaker because there aren't any medications that can reliably speed up the heart. A pacemaker is a small device that's usually implanted near your collarbone.

What is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia?

Atrial fibrillation – This is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia. It occurs when the atria have fast and irregular contractions. This arrhythmia can cause a stroke or heart failure. Treatment will include medications, nonsurgical procedures, or surgery.

How to tell if you have an arrhythmia?

The most common signs and symptoms of arrhythmias include: 1 a feeling that your heart is skipping a beat 2 a heartbeat that is too fast or “racing” 3 a heartbeat that is too slow 4 an irregular heartbeat 5 pauses between heartbeats

How long does ventricular tachycardia last?

Ventricular tachycardia – This arrhythmia has a fast heartbeat and lasts for only a few seconds. Any duration longer than a few seconds is dangerous and requires emergency medical care.

What does it mean when your heart beats too fast?

a heartbeat that is too fast or “racing”. a heartbeat that is too slow. an irregular heartbeat. pauses between heartbeats. More serious symptoms include: chest pain. shortness of breath. dizziness. lightheadedness.

What is an arrhythmia?

Arrhythmias are abnormal or irregular heartbeats. They occur when the electrical impulses in your heart coordinate the natural rhythm incorrectly. Most people have experienced an arrhythmia. However, you may have had an arrhythmia without any symptoms. Your doctor may be the first to notice signs of an arrhythmia.

What happens when the heart beats and the ventricles quiver?

As a result, the ventricles quiver rather than pump normally. Without blood being pumped through the body, this will lead to sudden cardiac arrest. The impulses can be corrected using a defibrillator.

Can a slow heartbeat cause an underactive thyroid?

The main symptom of this arrhythmia is a slow heartbeat. The body relies on consistent blood flow, so a slow heartbeat can be a serious problem. If the brain doesn’t get enough blood, it may lead to unconsciousness. A slow heart rate may not be a problem for people who are fit. But in others, it can cause a serious condition like a heart attack, chemical imbalance, or an underactive thyroid gland.

How to treat atrial fibrillation?

Treatment for atrial fibrillation may include medications, therapy to reset the heart rhythm and catheter procedures to block faulty heart signals.

Why do people take blood thinners?

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

What is the electrical connection between the atria and the ventricles?

In atrial fibrillation, the signals in the upper chambers of your heart are chaotic. As a result, they quiver. The AV node — the electrical connection between the atria and the ventricles — is bombarded with impulses trying to get through to the ventricles.

What causes an increased risk of atrial fibrillation?

Heart disease. Anyone with heart disease — such as heart valve problems, congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, or a history of heart attack or heart surgery — has an increased risk of atrial fibrillation.

What is the signal that sends blood out of the heart?

In a typical heart rhythm, a tiny cluster of cells at the sinus node sends out an electrical signal (sinus node impulse). The signal follows a specific path through the upper chambers (atria) and into the lower chambers (ventricles), causing them to squeeze and pump out blood. In atrial fibrillation, electrical signals fire from many areas in the atria, causing the chambers to beat chaotically. Some or all of these chaotic signals enter the ventricles, causing a fast, irregular heartbeat.

Does atrial fibrillation cause heart problems?

Some people who have atrial fibrillation have no known heart problems or heart damage .

What is the heart made of?

Your heart is made up of four chambers — two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles). Within the upper right chamber of your heart (right atrium) is a group of cells called the sinus node. This is your heart's natural pacemaker. The sinus node produces the signal that normally starts each heartbeat.

Overview

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Causes

Risk Factors

Complications

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