Arrhythmias, which are the result of abnormal electrical activity in the heart, can cause the heart to beat either faster or slower. These irregular heartbeats are more common than you might think, as millions of Americans each year experience a fluttering sensation in their chest at some time. Other people may feel as if their heart skipped a beat. While most times it is nothing to worry about, schedule a visit with your doctor if you have reason for concern.
Types
There are different types of arrhythmias, which can cause heart palpitations. Electrical disturbances that cause the heart to beat faster occur in the upper chambers of the heart. This is known as atrial tachycardia and is not serious in most people. However, ventricular arrhythmias, which are the result of irregular and rapid electrical signals in the lower chambers of the heart, are caused by heart disease and, therefore, are much more serious. Often triggered by scarring from a previous heart attack, the abnormally fast rate at which the heart beats prevents the heart muscle from pumping enough blood to the rest of the body. Bradycardia is an arrhythmia that causes a slower than normal heartbeat. In many cases, no treatment is required, but some older people in particular may need a pacemaker to stimulate the heart muscle to contract and keep it from beating too slowly.
Symptoms
While some people are not aware of the changes in the pattern of their heart's normal rhythm, other people report experiencing a fluttering sensation or feeling weak, dizzy and faint. Additional symptoms experienced by individuals who suffer ventricular arrhythmias include fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain. The lack of blood flow to the brain and coronary arteries that can occur from the change in the rate of a person's heartbeat may cause one or more of these symptoms during an attack.
Causes
Atrial tachycardias can be caused by high blood pressure, heart attack, hyperthyroidism, a pulmonary embolism, emphysema, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure or excessive alcohol consumption. Ventricular arrhythmias are life-threatening and are usually associated with a major heart attack. In some cases, a low potassium level or cardiomyopathy may be the cause. Slow arrhythmias are usually a side effect of medications such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. These medications may interfere with the heart's ability to pump blood. While most people experience no serious problems related to bradycardia, in extreme cases, the condition can lead to blood pressure dropping so low that a person passes out.
Warning
Medications, which are prescribed to treat arrhythmias, can sometimes actually disrupt the heart's normal rhythm. Diuretics often prescribed to lower blood pressure can deplete the body of certain minerals such as sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, electrolytes and ions that play a crucial role in sending out the electrical signals in the heart.
Diagnosis
The type of arrhythmia involved must first be determined before the proper treatment can be administered. A physician may order tests to rule out diseases affecting the heart muscle, valves or coronary arteries. These usually include blood tests to measure potassium, magnesium, calcium, blood sodium and thyroid hormone levels. In some cases, medication levels may be evaluated. Other tests may include an electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure the heart's electrical activity, exercise treadmill test to detect palpitations upon physical exertion, or wearing a rhythm monitoring device for 24 hours to record palpitations throughout the period. Sometimes echocardiography is used to take a closer look at the chambers of the heart. Cardiac catheterization may be ordered if coronary artery disease is the suspected cause of arrhythmia.
Treatment
Doctors usually advise people who suffer arrhythmias or other heart conditions to reduce emotional and physical stress in their lives. People who smoke are advised to quit smoking, as well as reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption. Medications may be prescribed to slow the heart rate or convert fibrillation to normal heart rhythm and restore the heart muscle to its regular pumping action. Use of blood thinners may be required for individuals at high risk for stroke. To correct more serious cases of arrhythmias, an artificial pacemaker may be surgically placed beneath the skin to send electrical impulses to the heart. In other more severe cases, an automatic defibrillator is placed in a person's chest to shock the heart when needed. This method of treatment is for people who have serious ventricular arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden death. When it comes to any type of heart disease or defect, it is important to lower cholesterol, restrict sodium intake, and eat a low fat diet.
Tags: heart muscle, blood pressure, cause heart, chambers heart, heart attack, heart disease