Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia)
About This Condition
An irregular heartbeat is what many doctors refer to as arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is inconsistent beating or fluttering of the heart muscle.
Either the heart may beat rapidly, a condition known as tachycardia or very slowly, which is what we refer to as bradycardia. Sometimes patients may not notice anything when experiencing arrhythmia. An arrhythmia can be silent, and patients may be unaware that their heart rhythm is abnormal.
Symptoms
- Heart palpitations
- Pounding of the chest
- Fatigue
- Chest tightness (angina)
- Perspiration
- Trouble with vision
Causes
An arrhythmia occurs due to narrowed coronary arteries, hypertension when blood pressure rises and diseased heart valves, previous heart surgery, heart failure and cardiomyopathy. Another possible cause is sleep apnoea, leading to pauses between breaths. As a result, sleep apnoea can cause a slow heartbeat (bradycardia), inconsistent heartbeats and atrial fibrillation.
Diagnosis
Heart arrhythmia can be diagnosed through the following means: An electrocardiogram is a test designed to measure the timing of a heartbeat. A Holter monitor can be worn throughout the day to trace the heart's electrical activity. An echocardiogram utilises high-powered sound waves to create detailed images of the heart. A stress test measures the heart's electrical activity when the body is placed under stress-induced exercise.
Treatment
Heart arrhythmia can be treated through the use of medication, such as blood thinners, to reduce the risk of blood clot formation. Medication can prevent an abnormal heart rhythm by controlling the heart rate. The vagal manoeuvre is assisted heart therapy that controls the vagus nerves (heartbeats) that cause the heart to slow down. Cardioversion is another form of treatment to reset the heart rhythm. Shocks are delivered directly to the heart through patches attached to the chest; this treatment is usually recommended to treat atrial fibrillation. Surgical procedures to treat arrhythmia include pacemaker insertion, catheter ablation, implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator and surgery referred to as a maze procedure. For example, catheter ablation is a procedure whereby catheters are threaded through the blood vessels meticulously. Electrodes attached to either side of the catheter release energy (hot or cold) to create scar tissue. Small scars help control the heart's abnormal electrical signals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I consider arrhythmia a serious condition?
Heart arrhythmia is an inconsistent or irregular beating of the heart muscle. Atrial fibrillation and tachycardia can lead to stroke or heart failure.
How will I feel when I experience heart arrhythmia?
Instantaneously, you will feel something is wrong with your heart. But, this is not always the case because arrhythmia can be silent. So, the only way to be sure is to get diagnosed with arrhythmia.
How does a pacemaker fix arrhythmia?
Fortunately, a pacemaker is designed to identify a slow heartbeat. As a result, the device transmits electrical signals to correct the slow heartbeat.
Related Conditions
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is plaque build-up in the coronary arteries, the arteries that supply blood to the heart and its coverings. Plaque is predominately fat from saturated products and choline - a nutrient traced in red meat, dairy and eggs.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is a term to describe the heart's poor ability to pump blood efficiently. Heart failure is mainly due to the weakening of the heart muscle.
Valvular Heart Disease
Valvular heart disease arises from damage to the heart's valves. The heart consists of four valves that maintain the steady flow of blood.
Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease is an abnormality affecting the heart which is present at birth. This congenital abnormality can affect the heart's valves, walls and blood vessels.
Medical Conditions Affecting the Heart
Heart disease refers to a collection of heart-related disorders affecting the performance of the heart muscle. Coronary artery disease is the most common medical condition affecting people worldwide. A high fat and cholesterol diet contributes to the development of coronary artery disease when the coronary arteries begin to narrow and restrict the flow of blood.
Related Procedures
Coronary Angiogram
A coronary angiogram utilises x-ray imaging to view the heart's blood vessels in detail. The test is designed to check for obstructions in the coronary arteries, limiting blood flow to the heart.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a procedure to reopen a blocked coronary artery. Fat and harmful cholesterol can get stuck in the coronary arteries and prevent smooth blood flow throughout the body.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a detailed scan used to analyse the heart and blood vessels. An ultrasound probe emits high-powered sound waves that produce echoes as the sound waves bounce against parts of the body.
Transoesophageal Echocardiogram
A transoesophageal echocardiogram is a test used to assess the heart's structure and function. Similar to a small microphone, a transducer emits high-powered ultrasound waves that penetrate the skin, bodily tissues and heart muscle.
Electrical Cardioversion
Electrical cardioversion is a quick and efficient procedure that corrects the irregular rhythm of the heart. A machine and adhesive patches (electrodes) deliver low-dose shock energy to the chest to control an abnormal heart rhythm such as atrial flutter.
Pacemaker Implants
A pacemaker is a 20-50g device inserted in the chest to correct a very slow heartbeat. The pacemaker emits electrical impulses that control the heart, preventing an irregular heartbeat.