Understanding Arrhythmia

What is Arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat pattern where your heart beats too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm. Your heart's electrical system controls these beats, and any disruption can lead to arrhythmia.

Types of Arrhythmia

Tachycardia (Fast Heartbeat)

• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
• Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
• Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

Bradycardia (Slow Heartbeat)

• Sinus Bradycardia
• Heart Block

Common Symptoms

• Palpitations (feeling your heart skip a beat)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Fainting (syncope)

Risk Factors

• Age (more common in older adults)
• Heart disease or previous heart attack
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption
• Smoking

Diagnosis

1. Physical Examination
2. Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
3. Holter Monitor
4. Event Recorder
5. Echocardiogram

Treatment Options

Medications

• Antiarrhythmic drugs
• Beta blockers
• Blood thinners (for AFib)
• Calcium channel blockers

Procedures

• Cardioversion
• Catheter ablation
• Pacemaker implantation
• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)

Prevention

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Limit alcohol and caffeine
• Quit smoking
• Manage stress
• Control blood pressure and cholesterol

When to Seek Emergency Care

• Severe chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting
• Severe dizziness
• Rapid, irregular heartbeat that doesn't stop

Living with Arrhythmia

Many people with arrhythmia lead normal, active lives with proper treatment and lifestyle modifications. Regular medical check-ups and following your treatment plan are essential for managing the condition effectively.