HEART ARRHYTHMIA
Heart Arrhythmia also known as Cardiac Arrhythmia is a heart rhythm irregularity. Problems with the cardiac conduction system cause the heart to have an abnormal heartbeat which may lead to an irregular pulse, too fast or too slow.
Classification
​
Arrhythmia may happen in the atria or ventricles. It can be categorised by the speed of the heart rate.
Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial Fibrillation is the most common cause of Arrhythmia. Random electrical impulses cause the atria to twitch rapidly which leads to a quivering or irregular heartbeat, inducing many risks such as heart failure, stroke and blood clots. Atrial Fibrillation is also the main reason to cause Tachycardia.
​
Tachycardia:
When the heart beats faster than normal i.e. a heart rate more than 100 beats per minute (BPM).
-
Supraventricular tachycardia is the arrhythmia that occurs in the above ventricles i.e. upper two chambers (atria). It causes pulsating palpitations that suddenly begin and end.
-
Ventricular tachycardia is the arrhythmia that occurs in the ventricles i.e. lower two chambers (right and left ventricle). The ventricles are not able to fully contract and are not allowed to pump enough blood to the body.
​
Bradycardia:
When the heart beats slower than normal i.e. heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute (BPM)
-
Sinus pause occurs when the natural pacemaker (SA node) malfunctions to generate coordinated rhythmic movement of the cardiac muscles
-
Sick sinus syndrome takes place when the SA node does not work effectively enough to maintain a normal heartbeat. People suffering with this syndrome experience slow arrhythmia or a combination of slow and fast arrhythmia.
Diagnosis and Symptoms of Arrhythmia
​
Cardiac arrhythmias may not exhibit any symptoms or warning indications. During a physical examination for another medical condition, a doctor can notice the irregular heartbeat.
Arrhythmias can be identified by observing the following signs and symptoms:
-
Racing heartbeat (Palpitations)
-
Shortness of breath, chest pain
-
Sweating
-
Fatigue or dizziness
-
Rapid pulse rate
-
Fainting (Syncope)
-
Difficulty in concentrating (Bradycardia)
-
Easily tiring during physical exercises
A physical examination by the doctor is typically required to identify a cardiac arrhythmia. Tests may be carried out to confirm an irregular heartbeat and search for diseases like thyroid or heart illness that can lead to arrhythmias.
​
An Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is generally used to detect the electrical activity and rhythmic movements of the heart. Sensors attached to the skin help in transmitting the heart’s electrical signals to the ECG machine which then the latter creates a wave pattern representing the heart's rhythm. A Holter Monitor is a type of wearable and portable ECG device that records the electrical activity of the heart continuously for 24 to 48 hours during normal activity or routine. Electrodes are placed in specific locations on the chest and abdomen which are connected to the ECG machine with wires. No electricity is sent into the body.
​
Treatments for Arrhythmia
Medications such as anti-arrhythmic drugs and beta blockers can be used to produce sinus rhythm (normal rhythm) and treat related medical conditions that induce abnormal heart rate. Doctors may advise the patients to make some lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, exercising daily and taking a healthy balanced diet like consuming whole grains, green leafy vegetables, low fat dairy etc.
Catheter Ablation - Thin wires are inserted into regions of the heart that are causing Arrhythmia with the help of radiofrequency energy which produces heat to destroy the areas of tissue. These procedures are usually done in a catheter laboratory which has complex mapping equipment as seen below.
​
Sources
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/heart-disease-abnormal-heart-rhythm
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22108-tachycardia
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/types-bradycardia
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-arrhythmia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350674
https://www.itnonline.com/content/improved-imaging-takes-x-ray-risks-out-ablation