An arrhythmia is an abnormal heartbeat. The heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or strays from a uniform pattern (i.e. it beats erratically). Sometimes, arrhythmias are very mild and absent of noticeable symptoms. The person may even be unaware that he has one. In other cases, the heartbeat is severely irregular, and introduces major problems to the patient\’s long-term health.

This article will examine the most common types of arrhythmias, and describe some of the symptoms patients with them are likely to notice. We\’ll also explain how certain types of arrhythmias can eventually lead to other, more serious, issues if they are not treated.

Electrical Activity Of A Healthy Heart

A normal heart beats according to a uniform pattern that is regulated by electrical impulses. The impulses are produced by a special group of cells in the right atrium (one of two upper heart chambers). These cells comprise the sinoatrial node, or SA node.

Each electrical impulse that is triggered by the SA node spreads across the cells of the left and right atria. It moves downward, causing the chambers to contract. The contractions cause them to pump blood into the left and right ventricles (lower heart chambers).

Once an electrical signal has spread across the atria, it descends upon another special group of cells called the atrioventricular node, or AV node. The signal slows down, and waits while the ventricles fill with blood. After the lower chambers are completely filled, the electrical signal abandons the AV node, and moves across them. This causes the ventricles to contract, pumping blood to the lungs (from the right chamber) and to the body (from the left chamber).

This process occurs between 60 and 100 times each minute. The timing of the electrical impulses must be precisely coordinated to ensure the atria and ventricles contract at the right time. Otherwise, the blood within them will not be properly pumped outward.

Various Forms Of Arrhythmias

There are many types of arrhythmias with each categorized according to the chambers of the heart it affects, and its influence on the patient\’s heartbeat. Tachycardias are arrhythmias that cause the chambers to contract too quickly. An example of a tachycardia is atrial fibrillation, a common form of arrhythmia that causes the atria to beat very fast.

Bradycardias are arrhythmias in which the heart beats too slowly. In severe cases, the patient may pass out since too little blood leaves the heart and reaches the brain. An example of a bradycardia is sick sinus, a disorder of the SA node that prevents it from generating electrical impulses properly.

Many people also suffer from a premature heartbeat. While this type of arrhythmia is very common, it rarely presents symptoms or causes serious health issues. The patient may occasionally feel as if his heart has skipped a beat.

When Arrhythmias Are Left Untreated

When symptoms are noticeable, they include chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath. Following strenuous activity, the patient may also feel lightheaded or dizzy. These symptoms may not imply a serious problem, but should prompt the patient to visit her physician.

Sometimes, an arrhythmia that is allowed to continue without treatment will set the stage for one or more complications down the road. For example, atrial fibrillation impairs the atria\’s ability to pump blood to the ventricles. Because the upper chambers fibrillate, they are prevented from completing their contractions. Blood remains inside, and starts to pool. Eventually, blood clots form.

A blood clot that breaks free from the left side of the heart will be pumped into the aorta. This is a blood vessel that delivers blood to every part of the body, including the brain. If the clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.

A severe arrhythmia can also compromise the heart\’s ability to pump oxygen-rich blood to the body. This too can occur with atrial fibrillation since it limits blood flow from the left atrium. Eventually, the patient may show signs of heart failure.

While treatment is available for all types of arrhythmias, the patient will still need to actively manage the condition. For most, this includes making lifestyle changes to keep the heart as strong as possible.

Finding the right mitral valve surgeon or cardiac doctor is crucial. Early diagnosis can lead to successful results.

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Author Bio: Finding the right mitral valve surgeon or cardiac doctor is crucial. Early diagnosis can lead to successful results.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Health, Doctor, Specialist, Treatment, Heart