An arrhythmia is a heart problem that is characterized by an irregular heartbeat where the heart either beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Most people experience some form of arrhythmia at some point in their lives, and occasional irregular heartbeats are generally not cause for concern. However, sometimes they can indicate more serious damage of the heart and have the potential to be dangerous.
Types of Arrhythmia
There are a number of different types of arrhythmia:
? Atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a form of arrhythmia that is quite common (roughly 2.2 million Americans have it) but is also very serious. With atrial fibrillation, the atria, or the two upper chambers of the heart, quiver or “fibrillate” instead of beating rhythmically. As a result, the blood is not completely emptied out with each heartbeat. This can lead to pooling and clotting. Blood clots are particularly harmful as they can become lodged in the coronary arteries or an artery in the brain, resulting in a heart attack or stroke.
? Tachycardia. Tachycardia occurs when the heart beats too quickly, up to 100 beats per minutes. There are two types of tachycardia: supraventricular tachycardia, the most common form of arrhythmia, involves the two chambers at the top of the heart and is usually harmless. Ventricular tachycardia, on the other hand, involves the two chambers at the bottom of the heart and can be potentially life threatening.
Bradycardia. Bradycarida occurs when the heart beats slower than normal (under 50 beats per minute, although this does not apply to competitive athletes who typically have very low heart rates.) It is sometimes caused by low blood pressure or electrical balances and is usually not life-threatening.
Premature ventricular contractions. Premature ventricular contractions, or PVCs, most often occur in people who don’t have any other form of heart disease and are usually not serious. This is the type of arrhythmia that most people will experience at some point in their lives and usually manifests itself in the form of a skipped heartbeat or brief palpitations. Occasionally, PVCs are the result of an electrical imbalance or heart disease. For this reason, people who experience PVCs frequently should see a doctor to determine the underlying cause.
What Causes Arrhythmia?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to arrhythmia:
Insufficient supply of blood. In some cases, not enough blood is pumped to the heart. This can be the result of clogged arteries or low blood pressure. When this is the case, some forms of arrhythmia can occur as a result.
Coronary heart disease. One of the many problems resulting from coronary heart disease is the onset of more serious forms of arrhythmia. In addition to a reduced flow of blood to the heart as a result of the narrowing of arteries, previous heart attacks scar the heart muscle, affecting the electrical impulses around the heart and causing it to quiver.
Valve problems. When the valves to the heart are damaged or don’t open and close properly, the risk of developing arrhythmia increases.
Stress. Stress and anxiety can also cause several forms of arrhythmia, generally tachycardia or premature ventricular contractions.
When to Seek Treatment
More often than not, arrhythmias do not indicate a serious heart problem. However, those who experience arrhythmias on a frequent basis or have a history of heart disease should be examined by a doctor in case the arrhythmia indicates a more serious problem.