Arrhythmia refers to the irregular beating of the heart which may feel like your heart skipped a beat, added a beat or is fluttering. A normal heart beats about 60 to 100 times per minute depending on the activity levels of the individual. However, due to problems with the cardiac conduction system, the rhythm of the heart becomes abnormal.
Arrhythmias can be harmless or may cause an emergency. In case you are frequently experiencing abnormal heart rhythms, get in touch with us to consult with the best cardiac specialist.
The types of arrhythmias are divided based on the area of origin and the rate at which the heart beats. If the arrhythmia begins in the ventricles or lower chambers of the heart, they’re known as ventricular arrhythmia. If the condition arises in the atria or upper chambers, they’re called supraventricular.
In addition, the doctors also classify the arrhythmia types based on the speed of the heart rate. In bradycardia, the heart rate is fewer than 60 beats per minute whereas, in Tachycardia, the heart beats at 100 beats per minute.
Supraventricular arrhythmias types are as follows -
Ventricular arrhythmias types include the following -
Bradyarrhythmia types are classified into the following -
Arrhythmia symptoms can be silent and may not cause major concern. The doctor may examine your pulse and perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause of heart palpitations. Arrhythmia signs include the following -
An arrhythmia occurs when the electrical signals that coordinate the heartbeats are not functioning properly. Most arrhythmias do not cause major problems but if the primary cause is due to a medical condition, then it may require medical attention. Arrhythmia causes include the following -
Arrhythmia is often confused with other heart conditions due to the similarities in the symptoms. The doctor generally does a physical examination to check your vitals and analyse the condition. Moreover, the doctor also asks about the medical history and recommends diagnostic tests. Arrhythmia diagnosis often includes the following tests -
Arrhythmia treatment differs based on the type and severity of the condition. Mild symptoms may be managed by medications which treat uneven heart rhythms. Different treatment methods for arrhythmia include the following -
Arrhythmia can be prevented by making lifestyle changes and going for regular checkups with the doctor. Be sure to take all medications and consult the doctor if you experience frequent arrhythmia signs and symptoms. Arrhythmia prevention includes the following steps -
Complications of prolonged heart arrhythmia can lead to the following -
An arrhythmia can be silent and not cause any significant health issues. However, in severe cases, arrhythmia can cause serious heart conditions which can lead to cardiac arrest, heart failure, etc. Consult a medical professional in case you are experiencing arrhythmia symptoms.
The ICD-10 code for cardiac arrhythmia is 149.9 which is a medical classification listed by WHO.
Mild to moderate symptoms of arrhythmia is often associated with oxidant stress and inflammation. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are effective in reducing mild arrhythmia symptoms. However, in severe cases, the doctor may recommend therapies or implants depending on the cause of the arrhythmia.
Arrhythmia treatment includes a combination of medicines, therapies and using implants depending on the type and severity of the condition. The doctor may cure arrhythmia by recommending the following -
This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who have a higher risk or are too sick, or too old for open heart surgery. It was first tested in 2002 on patients with severe aortic stenosis (a narrowing of the aortic valve opening), who were considered unfit for open heart surgery.
Heart failure is a serious condition marked by the inefficiency of the heart muscles to pump blood to different parts of the body. Also referred to as congestive heart failure, the condition can prove to be life-threatening if not addressed immediately. Such patients are often recommended to undergo a heart transplant, a surgical procedure that involves the replacement of a diseased or non-functional part of the patient’s heart with a healthy heart taken from a deceased donor.
Over the past few decades, various innovations and advancements in the field of cardiology have helped us to learn more and more about the human heart, its functioning, and the diseases that affect it.