Cardiac Arrhythmia
Also known as: Heart Arrhythmia, Irregular Heartbeat, Dysrhythmia
Cardiac arrhythmia refers to any irregularity in the heart's rhythm, including beating too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or with an irregular pattern. Arrhythmias occur when the electrical signals that coordinate heartbeats don't function properly. While many arrhythmias are harmless, some can lead to serious complications including stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest.
Symptoms
Causes
- Coronary artery disease or prior heart attack
- Heart valve disorders
- Electrolyte imbalances (potassium, magnesium, calcium)
- High blood pressure causing structural heart changes
- Congenital heart defects
- Excessive caffeine, alcohol, or stimulant use
Risk Factors
- Age (arrhythmias are more common in older adults)
- Heart disease or prior heart surgery
- High blood pressure
- Thyroid disorders
- Diabetes
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
- Holter monitor or event recorder for continuous monitoring
- Echocardiogram to assess heart structure
- Electrophysiology study (EPS) to map electrical pathways
- Blood tests for thyroid function and electrolytes
Treatment
- Anti-arrhythmic medications (amiodarone, flecainide)
- Rate-controlling drugs (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers)
- Blood thinners to prevent stroke (in atrial fibrillation)
- Cardioversion (electrical or chemical) to restore normal rhythm
- Catheter ablation to destroy abnormal electrical pathways
- Implantable devices (pacemaker or defibrillator)
Prevention
- Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle with regular exercise
- Limit caffeine, alcohol, and stimulant intake
- Manage underlying conditions (hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disease)
- Get adequate sleep and manage stress
When to See a Doctor
- You experience frequent or sustained heart palpitations
- You faint or feel lightheaded with a rapid or irregular heartbeat
- You have chest pain accompanied by an irregular heartbeat—call 911
- You have a known heart condition and notice new rhythm changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions
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