![]() Supraventricular tachycardia is characterised by rapid, regular contractions originating from the atria. Similar causes, risks and treatments as atrial fibrillation. Similar to atrial fibrillation, but the atria tend to contract in a rapid and regular (rather than irregular) pattern. For those people at risk, blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants such as warfarin) are used long-term for stroke prevention. The most serious risk associated with atrial fibrillation is stroke. There are multiple different causes and the condition generally requires some form of treatment. It can last for minutes to weeks, with many people remaining in atrial fibrillation permanently. It is the most common “significant” arrhythmia. Irregular and rapid contractions of the atria that cause an irregular heartbeat that is often too rapid. They are occasionally treated, especially if they are causing troublesome symptoms or are extremely frequent (>10,000 per day). Ectopic beats are generally harmless and are just a nuisance. They can also come in bursts or “storms”, lasting weeks at a time. They tend to last for moments at a time, but can recur many times over hours to days. They usually cause symptoms of skipped or extra beats. These are very common and can originate from the atria or ventricles. Some of the more common arrhythmias are listed below : For example, during exercise, it is normal to develop a tachycardia, while the heart often slows down to 30-40 beats a minute during sleep. Not all tachycardias or bradycardias indicate arrhythmia though. Bradycardia refers to a slow heartbeat - less than 40-50 beats a minute. Tachycardia refers to a fast heartbeat - a heart rate greater than 100 beats a minute. Some non-cardiac health problems such as an overactive thyroid gland and severe lung disease Are there different types of arrhythmia?Īrrhythmias are classified by where they originate (atria or ventricles) and by the speed of heart rate they cause. Scarring of the heart muscle that can develop with various diseases and after a heart attackĮnvironmental factors such as stimulant drugs, alcohol, intercurrent illness and sleep deprivation ![]() These include an abnormal heart valve or weakened heart muscle from a virus or other disease (cardiomyopathy)Īn inadequate blood supply to the heart that can occur when the coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked Problems that affect the structure or function of the heart. What causes arrhythmias?Ĭonditions that may lead to arrhythmias include -: Different arrhythmias require differing treatments, and your doctor will be able to recommend the most appropriate therapy for your particular situation. ![]() These tests also help determine whether there are any other problems with the heart (for example – a leaking valve). Often, further tests are needed to make a diagnosis. Your doctor will also examine you and your heart and its rhythm. ![]() Your doctor will assess this by going through your symptoms in detail. When people complain of palpitations, the first step is to try to diagnose whether a significant arrhythmia is occurring. Many people who experience palpitations even on a very frequent basis, may have minimal or no heart rhythm disturbance. However, not all palpitations are due to arrhythmias – sometimes palpitations are felt even when the heartbeat is normal, such as during a stressful or anxious occasion like public speaking. Common patterns include feelings of skipped or extra beats, fluttering, thumping, flip-flops and a racing heartbeat. ![]() The term “palpitations” is a descriptive word used to describe the sensation of an abnormal pattern of heart beats. What may I feel if I have one of these rhythm disturbances?Īrrhythmias often cause symptoms, including palpitations. Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) occur when the electrical impulses in your heart that coordinate your heartbeats don’t function properly, causing your heart to beat too fast, too slow or irregularly. ![]()
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