Understanding Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat, essentially a heart rhythm problem. This can mean the heart is beating to rapidly, too slowly, too early or irregularly. Arrhythmia are caused by electrical impulses to the heart not working properly.

Everyone has an irregular heartbeat sometimes, and many heart arrhythmias are harmless. However, if arrhythmias are too far from a normal heartbeat, or are the result of a weak, damaged heart, then they can deadly.

Fast arrhythmias are called tachycardias, slow ones are called bradycardias and irregular arrhythmias are called fibrillations.

Symptoms of tachycardia are:

-breathless

-dizzy

-fainting or near fainting

-fluttery chest

-lightheaded

-sudden weakness

Symptoms of bradycardia are:

-chest pain

-problems concentrating

-confused

-problems when exercising

-dizzy

-tired

-lightheaded

-palpitations

-short of breath

-fainting or near fainting

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation (typically develop suddenly):

-chest pain

-breathless

-dizzy

-palpitations

-fainting or near fainting

-weakness

It is important to be vigilant and aware of the symptoms especially if you are at high risk for arrhythmia. The risk factors for arrhythmia include:

-old age

-inherited gene problems

-heart problems

-thyroid problems

-certain medications, such as cough and cold drugs containing pseudoephedrine

-hypertension

-obesity

-uncontrolled diabetes

-sleep apnea

-electrolyte imbalances

-heavy regular alcohol consumption

-excess caffeine

-illegal drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines

If you have any of the symptoms of arrhythmia, get medical assistance as soon as possible.

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