Abnormal Beating of the Heart: Cardiac Arrhythmias
Heart has a rhythmic capability to beat and pump blood to our
body and remarkably, does so without fail, throughout our life.
The rhythm has been destined to beat in certain prefixed
numerical limits and with certain regularity. Arrhythmias are
disorders characterized by abnormal beating of the heart.
Arrhythmias can occur in a healthy heart and be of minimal
consequence. At the same time they may co-exist with diseased
heart and may be life-threatening or may cause, stroke, heart
failure or sudden death.
An arrhythmia occurs when the normal electrical cycle of the
heart is disturbed. Normally, tiny currents activate the upper
part of the heart, just before the bottom part of the heart,
which are the muscular chambers that pump blood around the body.
Fast arrhythmias are referred to as 'tachyarrhythmias'. When the
heart goes too slowly due to a failure of electrical activation,
it is referred to as a brady arrhythmia. Most arrhythmias
arising from the top of the heart are troublesome but not
life-threatening. Many arrhythmias arising from the lower of the
heart, are life-threatening.
Causes of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Some cardiac arrhythmias result from congenital heart defects
that run in families. Others arise from a variety of diseases
that develop in individuals over a period of years. Others still
result from sudden events such as heart attack. They may also be
the result of excessive alcohol, smoking or certain drugs.
Rarely despite extensive investigations no cause is found of
their occurrence. Cardiac arrhythmias may be symptomatic or may
cause a variety of warning symptoms such as palpitations or
rapid thumping in the chest, feeling tired or light-headed,
getting unconscious, having shortness of breath or chest pain.
Types of Arrhythmias
Following are the different types of cardiac arrhythmias:
1. Atrial fibrillation: The heart beats too fast and
irregularly. This type of arrhythmia requires treatment and can
increase risk of stroke.
2. Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia: The heart has episodes when it
beats fast, but regularly. This type of arrhythmia may be
unpleasant but is usually not dangerous.
3. Ectopic beats: The heart has an extra beat. Treatment usually
is not needed unless you have several extra beats in row and/or
other problems with your heart - such as heart disease or
congenital heart failure.
4. Ventricular tachycardia: The heart beats too fast and may not
pump enough blood. These types of arrhythmias are very dangerous
and need immediate treatment.
The Remedy
Treatment depends on the type of cardiac arrhythmia you have.
Some mild arrhythmias require no treatment. Other arrhythmias
can be treated with medicines. In more serious cases, other
treatments are available:
1. Drugs.
2. A pacemaker: An electronic device placed under the skin on
the chest. It helps the heart maintain a regular beat,
especially when the heart beats too slowly.
3. Implantable cardiac defibrillation: Can be used to stop an
abnormal rhythm and restore a normal one.
4. Surgery: Can correct certain types of arrhythmias. For
example, arrhythmias caused by coronary artery disease may be
controlled by bypass surgery. When an cardiac arrhythmia is
causes by a certain area of the heart, sometimes that part of
the heart can be destroyed or removed.