An abnormal heart rhythm is when heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. This is also called an arrhythmia.
Within the heart is a complex system of valves, nodes, and chambers that control how and when the blood is pumped. If the functions of this vital system are disrupted, damaged, or compromised, it can change the pattern with which our heart beats.
Arrhythmias can cause no symptoms, or patient may feel discomfort, fluttering, pain, or pounding in chest.
Not all arrhythmias are life-threatening or cause health complications. But to be on the safe side, patient should report any abnormal heart rhythm to physican.
What is the types of abnormal heart rhythms?
The most common types of abnormal heart rhythms are-
• Tachycardia
Tachycardia means that patient heart is beating too fast. For example, a normal heart beats 60 to 100 times per minute in adults. Tachycardia is any resting heart rate over 100 beats per minute (BPM).
There are three subtypes of tachycardia-
I. Supraventricular tachycardia- occurs in the upper chambers of your heart known as the atria.
II. Ventricular tachycardia occurs in the lower chambers known as the ventricles.
III. Sinus tachycardia is a normal increase in the heart rate that may occur when patient sick or excited. With sinus tachycardia, heartbeat returns to normal once patient get better or become calm.
• Atrial fibrillation-
This disorganized heart rhythm occurs in the upper chambers of the heart. It’s the most common arrhythmia.
• Atrial fibrillation, occurs when many unstable electrical impulses misfire and may result in the atria quivering out of control.
• Atrial fibrillation causes the heart rate to increase and become erratic. It can elevate heart rate to 100 to 200 BPM, which is a lot faster than the normal 60 to 100 BPM.
• Atrial flutter-
An atrial flutter (AFL) typically occurs in the right atrium, which is one of the two upper chambers of the heart. However, it may occur in the left atrium as well.The condition is caused by a single electrical impulse that travels rapidly in the affected atrium. This often results in a fast heart rate, but it’s a more regular rhythm.
• Bradycardia-
Bradycardia generally occurs when the electrical signals traveling from the atria to the ventricles become disrupted.Some athletes have slower heart rates because they are in excellent physical condition, and this isn’t usually the result of a heart problem.
• Ventricular fibrillation-
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) can stop the heart from beating and cause cardiac arrest. It occurs in the ventricles, which are unable to pump blood out of patients heart to the body VF is a serious condition that may cause death if it’s not immediately treated.
Premature contractions-
With most premature contractions, the heart appears to skip a beat when the pulse is taken in the wrist or chest. The skipped beat is so faint or weak that it’s not heard or felt.
What are the symptoms of abnormal heart rhythms?
An abnormal heart rhythm, patient may experience some or all of these symptoms-
• chest pain
• feeling dizzy, faint or light-headed
• shortness of breath
• irregular pulse or heart palpitations
• pale skin
• sweating
What causes abnormal heart rhythms?
A number of things may cause an abnormal heartbeat, including high blood pressure. Other common causes are-
Coronary heart disease-This serious heart problem occurs when cholesterol and other deposits block the coronary arteries.
Medications
These include-
• caffeine
• amphetamines, which are drugs that stimulate the brain.
• beta-blockers, which are used to reduce high blood pressure.
Other causes
A number of other factors can also cause alterations in heart’s rhythm. These include-
• changes in heart’s muscle after illness or injury
• abnormalities of the heart
• low potassium and other electrolytes
• other health conditions.
What are the risk factors for abnormal heart rhythms?
The risks for arrhythmia include-
• smoking
• previous heart conditions, or a family history of heart conditions
• diabetes
• stress
• living a sedentary lifestyle
• a diet high in fats, cholesterol, and other unhealthy foods.
• high blood pressure or other health problems.
• excessive use of alcohol .
More information about health, stay connected with us.
