Arrhythmias are abnormal beats of the heart. Types of arrhythmias include:
An arrhythmia can be caused by:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
Some arrhythmias may occur without any symptoms. Others may cause noticeable symptoms, such as:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. In particular, the doctor will listen to your heart with a stethoscope.
Tests may include:
Treatment may include:
These will help slow down or speed up your heart rate, or return your heart rhythm to normal (cardioversion), depending on your need.
These treatments involve placing paddles on the chest or back. An electrical current is passed through the chest wall to the heart to reset its electrical circuits, and attempt to return the heart rhythm to normal.
A tiny defibrillator can be surgically implanted in your chest to monitor your heart rhythm. If a dangerous arrhythmia is detected, the device automatically shocks the heart in an attempt to return the heart rhythm to normal.
This device is surgically implanted in your chest. It takes over the job of providing the electrical impulses needed for establishing an appropriate heart rhythm.
An area of the heart that is responsible for an abnormal rhythm may be surgically removed or altered (ablated) with various techniques (eg, cryoablation ) to prevent it from generating an arrhythmia.
If you are diagnosed with an arrhythmia, follow your doctor's instructions .
To help prevent arrhythmias:
RESOURCES:
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org
Texas Heart Institute
http://www.texasheartinstitute.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cardiovascular Society
http://www.ccs.ca/home/index_e.aspx
Canadian Family Physician
http://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/
References:
Arrhythmia. American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=10845 . Accessed November 16, 2006.
Braunwald E, Zipes DP, Libby P, et al. Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2001.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ . Accessed October 6, 2005.
Tracy CM, Akhtar M, DiMarco JP, et al. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical competence statement on invasive electrophysiology studies, catheter ablation, and cardioversion: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine task force on clinical competence. Circulation. 2000;102:2309.
Weber BE, Kapoor WN. Evaluation and outcomes of patients with palpitations. Am J Med. 1996;100:138.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Michael J. Fucci, DO
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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