Arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm caused by irregular electrical activity, leading to a heartbeat that is too fast, too slow, or erratic.
Definition of Arrhythmia:
- Arrhythmia is an irregular heart rhythm, causing the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or erratically, impacting its blood-pumping efficiency.
Types of Arrhythmias:
- Tachycardia: Fast heart rate (>100 bpm), e.g., Atrial fibrillation, Ventricular tachycardia.
- Bradycardia: Slow heart rate (<60 bpm), e.g., Sinus bradycardia, Heart block.
- Premature Contractions: Early beats (PACs, PVCs).
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Irregular, rapid beats from the atria.
- Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib): Chaotic, life-threatening rhythm from the ventricles.
Advertisements
Causes of Arrhythmia:
- Coronary artery disease, electrolyte imbalances, high blood pressure, heart valve disorders, congenital defects, lifestyle factors (e.g., caffeine, alcohol), and certain medications.
Symptoms:
- Palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting (in severe cases).
Diagnosis:
- ECG, Holter monitor, event recorder, echocardiogram, and electrophysiological studies.
Treatment:
- Lifestyle Modifications: Limit caffeine/alcohol, manage stress, quit smoking.
- Medications: Anti-arrhythmias, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers.
- Medical Procedures: Electrical cardioversion, pacemaker, ICD, catheter ablation.
- Surgical Interventions: Maze procedure to guide electrical signals.
Thank you for reading from Firsthope's notes, don't forget to check YouTube videos!
