ARRHYTHMIAS

Arrhythmias include "tachycardias" (the heartbeat is too fast), "bradycardias" (the heartbeat is too slow) and "true" arrhythmias (a disturbed rhythm). Arrhythmias are classified as lethal if they cause a severe decrease in the pumping function of the heart. When the pumping function is severely decreased for more than a few seconds, blood circulation is essentially stopped, and organ damage (such as brain damage) may occur within a few minutes.

What is an Arrhythmia?

An arrhythmia is any disorder of the heart rate or rhythm. Arrhythmias are caused by a disruption of the normal electrical conduction system of the heart. Problems can occur anywhere along the conduction system, causing various arrhythmias. There can be a problem in the heart muscle itself, causing it to respond differently to the signal, or causing the ventricles to contract independently of the normal conduction system.

Arrhythmias are also caused by some drugs. These include anti-arrhythmics, beta blockers, caffeine, cocaine, psychotropics, and sympathomimetics.

What are the Symptoms of Arrhythmias?

• Changes in the rate, rhythm, or pattern of the pulse
• Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting
• Light headedness, dizziness
• Clammy skin
• Weak or absent pulse
• Paleness
• Temporarily absent breathing
• Low blood pressure

Note: The person may be without symptoms. The first symptom may be sudden cardiac death (loss of heart beat) associated with lethal arrhythmias.

Who is at risk?

People who have a history of coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, or other cardiac disorders, and people with imbalances of blood chemistries, are at higher risk for arrhythmias and complications from arrhythmias.

How are Arrhythmias Diagnosed?

Listening to the heart with a stethoscope (auscultation) or feeling the pulse may indicate an arrhythmia. Blood pressure may be low or normal.

Tests that reveal arrhythmias, and differentiate the type of arrhythmia, include:

How are Arrhythmias Treated?

Medications may include anti-arrhythmic medications, medications to speed up or slow down the heart rate, and others.

Treatment may include electrical "shock" (defibrillation or cardioversion).

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