Arrhythmias cause irregular beating of the heart. In a properly functioning heart, electrical impulses are produced to start each heartbeat. These impulses are the reason our hearts are able to pump blood in and out, into the proper chambers to supply the rest of the body.
People with arrhythmias have a heartbeat that is either faster, slower, or more inconsistent than normal.
Most people associate arrhythmias with a “fluttery” feeling, or heart palpitations. However, as Dr. Metawee noted, some patients diagnosed with arrhythmias don’t experience these symptoms. Other common indicators include:
An arrhythmia can be a congenital (meaning a baby is borne with it) or it can develop later in life due to a number of causes. Changes to your heart’s structure, from a heart attack, heart disease, or heart surgery, can cause an arrhythmia to develop.
Unhealthy lifestyle habits can add to your risk factors, just as they can for other heart diseases. These include high blood pressure, tobacco use, drug and alcohol abuse, as well as plain-old stress.
Treatment for an arrhythmia can vary from patient to patient. In some cases, no treatment is required. Other options include medication, surgery, or electrical devices which can help maintain a regular heart rate.
If you suspect you have an arrhythmia, you should seek a cardiologist’s opinion. Patients with an arrhythmia are more likely to develop a blood clot, which can sometimes cause a stroke. Arrhythmias are not always life-threatening, but if your heart’s pumping is ineffective, it can lead to heart failure over time.
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