Cardiac arrhythmia refers to any irregularity in the heart’s rhythm affecting how the heart beats. Understanding arrhythmias maintains heart health, as they can lead to serious complications like stroke or cardiac arrest.
Kalra Hospital shares common arrhythmia types and factors that may develop heart problems. By gaining insight into these conditions, patients can better appreciate the importance of seeking medical advice from a cardiologist or heart specialist in Delhi.
What is Arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia meaning refers to an irregular heartbeat, which occurs when the electrical signals that coordinate heartbeats malfunction. This can lead to the heart beating too quickly or too slowly.
A normal heart rhythm is called sinus arrhythmia. It maintains a steady and consistent beat and allows the heart to pump blood throughout the body. The sinus node is located in the right atrium. It generates electrical impulses that regulate the heart’s rhythm.
Types of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Cardiac arrhythmias come in various forms. Each type has unique characteristics and implications for health. Here are the common types of arrhythmia you need to know about –
Bradycardia
Bradycardia occurs when the heart beats slower than normal. Patients experience fewer than 60 beats per minute. This slow rate can prevent the heart from pumping enough oxygen-rich blood to the body. While bradycardia can be harmless in well-trained athletes, it can also indicate underlying health issues that require treatment, such as a malfunctioning sinus node or heart block.
Tachycardia
Tachycardia is when the heart beats faster than normal, generally over 100 beats per minute. This rapid heartbeat can occur at rest or during physical activity. Symptoms may include palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Tachycardia can result from stress, anxiety, or underlying heart conditions.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia where the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly and often rapidly. This condition increases the risk of stroke and heart failure. Symptoms may include palpitations, fatigue, and dizziness. AFib can be triggered by high blood pressure, heart disease, or excessive alcohol consumption.
Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib)
Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening arrhythmia that occurs when the heart’s lower chambers quiver instead of pumping blood effectively. This condition leads to a sudden loss of blood flow to vital organs and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include loss of consciousness and absence of pulse. VFib often results from a heart attack or severe heart disease and necessitates emergency interventions like defibrillation.
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Supraventricular tachycardia is a group of arrhythmias originating above the heart’s ventricles. It causes episodes of rapid heartbeat that can last for seconds to hours. SVT can occur in healthy patients but may also indicate underlying heart conditions.
Causes of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Cardiac arrhythmias is caused by many factors. Each factor affects the heart’s rhythm differently. Understanding these arrhythmia causes helps in recognising risks and seeking appropriate arrhythmia treatment. Here are some common causes of cardiac arrhythmias:
Genetic Factors
Genetic factors play a fundamental role in the development of arrhythmias. Some patients inherit conditions that affect their heart’s electrical system. These inherited disorders can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, increasing the risk of serious complications. Genetic arrhythmias often require careful monitoring and management by a heart specialist.
Structural Heart Issues
Structural heart issues, such as cardiomyopathy or heart valve disease, can disrupt normal heart function. Cardiomyopathy causes the heart muscle to become enlarged, thickened, or stiff, affecting its ability to pump blood efficiently. Heart valve disease alters blood flow, leading to arrhythmias.
External Factors
External factors such as stress, alcohol consumption, and caffeine intake can trigger arrhythmias. High stress levels can cause the heart to race or skip beats. Alcohol and caffeine stimulate the heart, potentially leading to irregular rhythms. Reducing stress and moderating substance use can help lower the risk of developing arrhythmias.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions contribute to the development of cardiac arrhythmias. Conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance and affect heart function. Managing these underlying conditions is fundamental for reducing arrhythmia risk and maintaining overall heart health.
What are the common Symptoms of Arrhythmias?
Cardiac arrhythmias can manifest through various symptoms, some of which may be mild while others can indicate serious health risks. Here are common symptoms to watch for:
- Palpitations or fluttering sensations
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue or weakness
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fainting or near-fainting spells
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Blurry vision
Diagnosis of Arrhythmias
Diagnosing cardiac arrhythmias involves several methods that help healthcare professionals assess heart rhythm. The following diagnostic techniques are commonly used:
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a primary tool for diagnosing arrhythmias. This quick test measures the heart’s electrical activity by attaching sensors to the chest, arms, and legs. The ECG displays how fast or slow the heart beats and can reveal any irregular rhythm. It provides a snapshot of heart activity, helping doctors identify potential issues.
Holter Monitor
A Holter monitor is a portable ECG device worn for an extended period, typically 24 to 48 hours. It continuously records the heart’s activity during daily activities, allowing doctors to capture irregular rhythms that may not appear during a standard ECG. Patients often keep a diary of their activities and symptoms, which helps correlate any irregularities with specific events.
Electrophysiology Studies
Electrophysiology studies (EPS) involve threading thin, flexible tubes with electrodes through blood vessels into the heart. This test maps the electrical signals within the heart and can provoke known arrhythmias to diagnose them accurately. EPS is particularly useful for identifying specific areas in the heart responsible for abnormal rhythms and guiding treatment decisions.
When to Consult a Cardiologist in Delhi?
Search for “cardiologist near me” or visiting a cardiology hospital in Delhi is important for anyone experiencing arrhythmia symptoms. A heart specialist can provide evaluations, accurate diagnoses, and personalised treatment plans. With early diagnosis, patients can successfully reduce the risks of heart disease.
Recognising cardiac arrhythmias maintains heart health and prevents severe complications. Regular check-ups will help patients manage symptoms and reduce the risk of heart stroke and failure.
Consulting a heart specialist in Delhi at Kalra Hospital helps make sure personalised care tailored to specific needs.