Arrhythmia is a condition where the heart beats faster than normal (tachycardia), slower than normal (bradycardia), or irregularly. This condition results from a disruption in the electrical system that guides the heartbeats. Although most arrhythmias are harmless, some types can lead to serious complications and even death. If symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting occur along with severe palpitations, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Factors such as high blood pressure, heart diseases, thyroid disorders, stress, insomnia, excessive caffeine or alcohol can cause arrhythmia. Treatment varies according to the type and severity of the arrhythmia; sometimes simple lifestyle changes are sufficient, while other times methods such as medications, ablation therapy, or pacemakers may be needed.
What is Arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia is a condition where abnormal electrical signals cause abnormal heartbeats (fast, slow, irregular). Arrhythmias originate from problems in the heart’s electrical system and can affect the heart’s blood pumping mechanism.
What Causes Arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia occurs as a result of disruption in the heart’s electrical system. This disruption usually stems from heart-related problems; conditions such as coronary artery disease, damage after a heart attack, high blood pressure, heart valve diseases, or past heart surgeries can disrupt the rhythm. Besides these, thyroid diseases, sleep apnea, and electrolyte imbalances (e.g., potassium or magnesium deficiency) can also trigger arrhythmia.
Additionally, factors such as excessive caffeine, stress, insomnia, certain medications, smoking, alcohol, excess weight, and a sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of arrhythmia. In short, arrhythmia is a condition that can arise from both structural problems of the heart and daily habits.
Causes of arrhythmia may include:
- Heart diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, or heart valve problems are common causes of arrhythmias.
- Damage after a heart attack (scar tissue) or previous heart surgery can cause arrhythmia.
- High blood pressure can increase the heart’s workload, leading to rhythm irregularities.
- Overactive or underactive thyroid can affect heart rate.
- Intense emotional pressure (stress) can cause fluctuations in rhythm.
- Smoking, alcohol, excessive caffeine, and illegal substance use can disrupt heart rhythm.
- Family history of arrhythmia can increase the risk.
- Breathing stops (sleep apnea) can strain the heart’s rhythm.
- Infections affecting the heart muscle can lead to arrhythmia.
- Hormonal imbalance in conditions such as adrenal insufficiency or pregnancy can cause fluctuations in rhythm.
- Deficiencies in electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium can disrupt the heart’s electrical conduction.
- Sedentary lifestyle and diabetes can weaken heart health, increasing the risk of arrhythmia.
- Some medications (birth control pills, decongestants, allergy medications) can trigger arrhythmia.
What are the Symptoms of Arrhythmia?
Symptoms of arrhythmia can vary from person to person. Generally, symptoms of arrhythmia include:
- Feeling of heart palpitations or irregular beats
- Chest tightness or pain
- Dizziness and feeling faint
- Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
- Fatigue and weakness
- Excessive sweating and restlessness
- Anxiety and panic
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- In rare cases, sudden cardiac arrest
You should see a doctor immediately if one or more symptoms, especially fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath, occur. Also, medical help should be sought if these symptoms become severe or persist for a long time.
What are the Risks of Arrhythmia?
Not every arrhythmia is dangerous, but some can result in blood clotting, stroke, heart failure, organ damage, sudden cardiac arrest, and death if left untreated. Additionally, rhythm disorders can make daily life difficult by causing complaints such as constant fatigue, weakness, palpitations, and shortness of breath. This situation negatively affects quality of life both physically and mentally.
What are the Types of Arrhythmia?
Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate)
Tachycardia is when the heart rate is more than 100 beats per minute.
- Sinus Tachycardia: Acceleration of normal heart rhythm. Can occur with conditions such as exercise, stress, fever. Generally harmless.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): A fast rhythm that originates from the upper chambers of the heart and starts suddenly. Can cause palpitations and dizziness.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AF): The most common rhythm disorder. The upper chambers of the heart contract irregularly and rapidly. Increases the risk of stroke.
- Atrial Flutter: Regular but very rapid contraction of the upper chambers of the heart. Shows symptoms similar to AF.
Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)
Bradycardia is a slow heart rate where the heart beats less than 60 times per minute. It has two subtypes: sinus bradycardia and heart block.
- Sinus Bradycardia: Slowing of normal heart rhythm. Can be normal in athletes, but sometimes can be due to serious causes such as heart block.
- AV Block (Heart Block): Slowing or interruption of electrical conduction between the upper and lower chambers of the heart. May require a pacemaker.
Ventricular Arrhythmias
Ventricular arrhythmias are serious rhythm disorders that originate from the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. They have two subtypes: ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.
- Ventricular Tachycardia: A dangerous rhythm disorder originating from the lower chambers of the heart. Requires emergency intervention.
- Ventricular Fibrillation: The most dangerous rhythm disorder. The lower chambers of the heart quiver and cannot pump effectively. Can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
Early Beats (Extrasystoles, Premature Beats)
Extrasystoles are extra heartbeats that come earlier than the heart’s normal beat. They have two subtypes: atrial and ventricular premature beats.
- Atrial Premature Beats: Early beats originating from the upper chambers of the heart. Generally harmless.
- Ventricular Premature Beats: Early beats originating from the lower chambers of the heart. Requires examination if frequently seen.
When to Seen a Doctor?
Some symptoms in arrhythmias require immediate medical attention. Medical help should be sought without delay in case of severe chest pain, pressure, or tightness. Difficulty breathing and sudden fainting are also situations requiring immediate intervention. Sudden severe dizziness and persistent or increasingly severe feeling of palpitations may indicate a serious problem with heart rhythm. If any of these symptoms are observed, one should go to the nearest healthcare facility or call emergency health services (911).
How is Arrhythmia Diagnosed?
In the diagnostic process, the patient’s detailed medical history is first taken and a physical examination is performed. Electrocardiography (ECG) is the most basic diagnostic method and shows the heart’s electrical activity. Heart rhythm can be monitored for 24-48 hours with a Holter device. Stress test, echocardiography, and blood tests are other methods used in the diagnostic process. In some cases, advanced tests such as electrophysiological study may also be necessary.
How is Arrhythmia Treated?
Arrhythmia treatment is determined according to the type and cause of the arrhythmia. If there are underlying problems (high blood pressure, thyroid), they are treated. In mild cases, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing caffeine, and regular exercise may be sufficient. Treatments such as medications (antiarrhythmics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers), ablation (first choice in most arrhythmias), pacemaker, or ICD can be applied in rhythm disorders with high risk of complications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arrhythmias
What are harmless arrhythmias?
Harmless arrhythmias include sinus arrhythmia where the heart naturally speeds up and slows down while breathing, early beats that occur outside normal rhythm and are common in healthy individuals, sinus bradycardia which is a low heart rate especially found in athletes, sinus tachycardia seen in stress and excitement situations, and atrial ectopic beats originating from the atrial region of the heart. These rhythm disorders generally do not require treatment and do not affect daily quality of life.
At what ages is arrhythmia seen?
It can occur at any age, but the frequency increases with advanced age. In young individuals, genetic factors, stress, or thyroid problems can be effective.
Is arrhythmia fatal?
In serious cases (such as ventricular fibrillation), it can carry a risk of death. However, most rhythm disorders can be managed with appropriate treatment.
Does arrhythmia progress?
Some arrhythmias are progressive. The most important of these is atrial fibrillation. You should make lifestyle changes to slow down and stop its progression from the moment of diagnosis. Also, earlier ablation means a higher success rate. In ventricular arrhythmias (such as ventricular tachycardia), if the underlying disease progresses, the rhythm disorder can also progress.
Can someone with arrhythmia lead a normal life?
Yes, most patients can lead a normal life with appropriate treatment and follow-up. However, some lifestyle changes may be necessary.
Is there a possibility of arrhythmia recurrence?
Yes, some rhythm disorders can recur. Regular follow-up and adherence to treatment help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Does arrhythmia affect pregnancy?
Some arrhythmias may be more common during pregnancy or the existing condition may worsen. It is very important to consult your doctor if you are planning pregnancy or are pregnant.
Can arrhythmia resolve on its own?
Arrhythmia can sometimes resolve on its own, especially if it is related to temporary causes such as stress, caffeine, or fatigue. However, if there is a serious underlying heart problem, it should not be expected to resolve on its own, and a doctor should definitely be consulted. Medical evaluation is essential for regularly recurring or long-lasting rhythm disorders.
Can exercise be done with arrhythmia?
Yes, but the type and intensity of exercise should be determined by a doctor. Excessively intense exercises can be dangerous for some patients.
Is arrhythmia seen in children?
Yes, in children it can usually be seen due to congenital heart defects or genetic factors.
Reference: Arrhythmias