Know in Time Before It Becomes Life-Threatening What is Arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia is a condition where the heart beats irregularly from the normal rhythm. It may beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. This condition is caused by abnormalities in the electrical signals that control the heartbeat, affecting the blood pumping to various parts of the body and impacting blood circulation to organs. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest.
What Heart Rate Indicates Arrhythmia?
The normal heart rate is 60-100 beats per minute.
- Bradyarrhythmia is when the heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute.
- Tachyarrhythmia is when the heart rate is more than 100 beats per minute.
- Irregular arrhythmia is when the heartbeat rhythm is irregular, with pauses, skips, or alternating fast and slow beats.
Symptoms of Arrhythmia?
- Symptoms of slow heart rate include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and low blood pressure. In severe cases, it may cause loss of consciousness. Mild cases may only experience fatigue and easy tiredness.
- Symptoms of fast heart rate in mild cases include easy fatigue and rapid heartbeat only. Severe cases may experience chest pain, dizziness, low blood pressure, heart failure, and sudden death.
Causes of Arrhythmia?
The causes of arrhythmia vary depending on the patient’s underlying diseases and risk factors. Major causes of arrhythmia include:
- Abnormalities in the heart’s electrical system
- Cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, and valve stenosis or regurgitation
- Hyperthyroidism
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Consumption of caffeine-containing beverages such as tea, coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, and alcohol
- Use of heart stimulants or drugs
- Genetics
- Chronic stress and insufficient rest
How Dangerous is Arrhythmia?
- Severe arrhythmia can cause sudden death, especially in patients with pre-existing heart disease, who require close medical supervision.
- Mild arrhythmia may not be life-threatening but can affect daily life, such as causing palpitations or fainting during work or driving, which may lead to accidents. Some patients may develop blood clots in the heart, which is a cause of stroke.
- If arrhythmia is left untreated, it can lead to heart failure. Therefore, if you suspect symptoms of arrhythmia, you should consult a doctor for appropriate treatment.
Initial Diagnostic Tests for Arrhythmia
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) – A test to check the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. Sensors are attached to the skin to detect electrical signals from each heartbeat.
- Exercise Stress Test (EST) – A test to evaluate heart function during exercise using a treadmill or bicycle. This helps doctors detect abnormal responses such as shortness of breath, arrhythmia, circulatory system issues, respiratory system, and overall muscle response to exercise.
- Echocardiogram – A test using high-frequency sound waves to examine heart function, including muscle contraction, chamber size, blood flow, valve function, and the position of blood vessels entering and leaving the heart.
- 24-hour Holter Monitor – A portable device worn for 24 hours to record heart electrical activity. Patients can go about their normal activities and return the device the next day for analysis. This is useful for patients with frequent but intermittent symptoms.
Treatment of Arrhythmia
Treatment depends on the type of arrhythmia the patient has.
- Patients with mild arrhythmia without severe symptoms may not require immediate treatment but can use medication to control heart rhythm to reduce frequency and severity of symptoms.
- Ablation therapy using high-frequency sound waves to destroy abnormal heart muscle pathways.
- Implantation of a pacemaker for patients with slow heart rate or a defibrillator for those with fast heart rate.
Prevention of Arrhythmia
- Have a heart health check at least once a year for those aged 35 and above or with other risk factors.
- Adjust eating habits by reducing salt, avoiding high-fat, fried, and oily foods.
- Exercise regularly and consistently.
- Manage stress and get enough sleep.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- If you have underlying diseases, follow up regularly with your doctor.
Arrhythmia may seem mild at first but can be a silent threat leading to serious diseases. If you have risk factors or suspicious symptoms, you should see a cardiologist for diagnosis to prevent future complications.
Dr. Thanapoom Pongkitpisan
Cardiologist
Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital
