The word “Arrhythmia” literally relates to the irregular heartbeat meaning it could be a slower heart rate (bradyarrhythmia) or a faster heartrate (Tachyarrhythmia). Arrhythmias themselves are not considered as a disease but are rather considered as a manifestation of an underlying cardiac disease.
The normal human heart beats for about 60-100 beats per minute. If the heart rate is slower than the range, then it is referred to as bradyarrhytmia and if it is more than the normal range then it is referred to as tachyarrhythmia.
What are the causes of arrhythmias?
Arrhythmias can either occur in heart or as a symptom of underlying cardiac disease. The below mentioned causes can be associated with the occurrence of arrhythmias.
- Congenital heart disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Long standing high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Sleep disturbance
- Stress
- As a complication of heart surgery
- Side effects of drugs and artificial supplements
What are the types of arrhythmias?
Primarily the cardiac arrhythmias can be classifies as a brady and tachy arryhythmias dpending upon the heart rate.
Depending upon the location of the arrhythmia it can be classified as an Atrial arrhythmia and Ventricular arrhythmia. These can be further classifies as ;
- Premature atrial contractions
- Premature ventricular contractions
- Atrial flutter
- Atrial fibrillation
- PSVT- paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
- Accessory pathway tachycardia
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Long QT syndrome
- Bradyarrhythmias
- Sinus node dysfunction
- Blockage of heart
Ask your treating specialist about the details on the type of arrhythmia that could be affecting your health.
What are the signs and symptoms of arrhythmias?
Arrhythmias can be asymptomatic or could present with symptoms like ;
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Discomfort
- Headache and dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Sweating
How are arrhythmias diagnosed?
Arrhythmias can be encountered on a routine general physical examination by your physician who can identify a skipped beat or a faster heart rate on examining the heart rate with the help of a stethoscope. If some irregular heartbeats are encountered, the consulting specialist will suggest some further investigation that will include ;
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Holter monitor: it is a type of ECG which is monitored for about 1-2 days where in the electrodes monitoring your heart will be taped to your body
• Event monitor: This device is used to monitor the activity of your heart for about a month to identify the changes in the heart rate. The consulting specialist might ask you to record the readings in case of any visible symptoms of arrhythmias
• Echocardiogram: ultrasound examination of the valves and muscles of the heart
• Electrophysiology test to identify any abnormalities in the conduction of electrical impulses across the heart
• Head-up tilt table test: a test to identify the reason of fainting caused by any alteration in the heart rate or the blood pressure when you are standing or lying down
• Cardiac catheterization: an invasive procedure where catheter (tubes) are inserted to identify the blockage of any of the heart vessels which is causing the arrhythmias
How are arrhythmias treated?
Treatment of arrhythmias is dependent on the type of arrhythmias, which can range from lifestyle modification to medications and to surgical procedures.
Lifestyle modification includes diet control, control of alcohol intake, cessation of smoking habit and watchful wait of the symptoms over a period of time.
Medication includes administration of drugs such as antiarrhythmic drugs, blood thinning drugs such as anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs along with medicines for any underlying cause such as blood pressure and diabetes.
Other modes of treatment may include a procedure called as Cardioversion where electrical shock is administered under the influence of local anaesthesia which helps in restarting of the normal rhythm of the heart.
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) could be used to correct the arrhythmias.
Sometimes when the identified cause is a sinus node dysfunction an artificial pacemaker is installed which helps in transferring electrical impulses to the heart at a defined interval thereby protecting the muscles of the heart.
The surgical modalities of treatment are mostly reserved for patients who do not much improvements by the primary measures to correct arrhythmias. The surgical procedure includes ;
- Maze Procedure which involves a well experience cardiovascular surgeon under the influence of general anaesthesia. The principle behind a Maze procedure is the creation of surgical insertions in the upper portion of the heart (the atria) thereby blocking the conduction of impluses in the areas of scar tissues
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)
Ask your treating specialist about the details of the best suited treatment for your arrhythmia to achieve the best results.
What could be the consequences if arrhythmias are left untreated?
If the arrhythmias are not treated they could progress on to stroke or even heart failure.
How to find cardiologists for heart arrhythmia treatment ?
Now you can find cardiologists for heart arrhythmia treatment from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions and information from multiple cardiologists, get cost estimates for heart arrhythmia treatment from different heart hospitals, compare things and then choose a cardiologist for heart arrhythmia treatment.
Find a cardiologist for heart arrhythmia treatment on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
