|
Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) occur either independently or as a result of other
cardiac conditions, such as coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction (heart attack). In any case, rhythm
disorders signal abnormalities in the conduction system of the heart.
Main Menu:
Types of Heart Rhythm Disorders
Heart rhythm disorders are categorized as either bradycardia (slow heartbeat) or
tachycardia (rapid heartbeat). Tachycardia may further sub-divided into ventricular
tachycardias (involving only the ventricles) and supraventricular tachycardias (involving
both the atria and the ventricles).
Symptoms of
bradycardia
(slow heartbeat) |
Symptoms of
tachycardia
(fast heartbeat) |
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting spells
|
- Heart palpitations
- Rapid heart action
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting spells
|
Examples of specific arrhythmias include:
- Atrial fibrillation: Rapid and irregular heartbeat due to signals in the atria that
cause the ventricles to contract abnormally. This condition prevents blood from flowing
through the heart's chambers, often causing it to accumulate in the atria. A blood clot
may form as a result of atrial fibrillation, leading to stroke or
myocardial infarction (heart attack).
- Ventricular fibrillation: Rapid contractions of the heart caused by irregular
electrical signals in the ventricles. The condition is common after myocardial infarction
(heart attack) or from electrocution or drowning. The condition is life-threatening and
should be treated immediately with electric shock (defibrillation) to the heart followed
by anti-arrhythmic drugs.
- Premature ventricular contraction: An abnormal signal from the ventricles
causes the heart to beat prematurely (early). Premature ventricular contraction is common
in children and teenagers and may not require treatment. However, in some cases when the
condition is caused by disease or injury, it could lead to ventricular tachycardia and
also fibrillation.
- Heart block: Interruption of electrical communication between the
atria and ventricles. This results in the ventricles contracting less often than the
atria. The condition leads to episodes of dizziness, fainting spells or stroke. Heart
block is categorized by its severity. More severe cases are commonly treated with an
artificial pacemaker, or less commonly, with drugs (such as isoproterenol).
CONTINUED
1 | 2 | Next >
Return to Heart Disease Main Menu |
