Arrhythmias are disturbances in the normal rhythm of the heartbeat, which occur when the electrical impulses that coordinate heartbeats don’t work properly. These can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Arrhythmias can affect heart function in various ways, depending on their type and severity.
- Tachycardia: This is when the heart beats faster than normal. It includes conditions such as:
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Rapid, irregular beating of the atrial chambers, which can lead to poor blood flow.
- Ventricular Tachycardia: Rapid rhythm originating from the lower chambers (ventricles), which can be life-threatening if sustained.
- Bradycardia: This is when the heart beats slower than normal. It might not be problematic unless it results in symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or fainting, indicating insufficient blood flow to the brain.
- Premature Beats: Extra beats that are generally benign but can feel like a fluttering or a skipped heartbeat.
- Atrial Flutter: Similar to AFib but with regular rhythms, which can lead to significant problems if too many impulses reach the ventricles.
- Reduced Cardiac Output: Both tachycardia and bradycardia can lead to reduced efficiency in the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, which might not meet the body’s needs.
- Risk of Clots: Arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation disrupt normal blood flow through the heart, increasing the risk of blood clot formation, which can lead to strokes.
- Heart Failure: Frequent or prolonged arrhythmias can weaken the heart, leading to heart failure, where the heart cannot pump enough blood to the body.
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Severe arrhythmias, especially those affecting the ventricles, can cause the heart to stop beating (cardiac arrest), a life-threatening emergency.
Symptoms can vary significantly and may include palpitations, a feeling of a fluttering heart, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
Arrhythmias can range from harmless to life-threatening, and their impact on heart function often dictates the urgency and type of treatment required. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing arrhythmias and preventing complications.