subject: Abnormal Beating Of The Heart: Cardiac Arrhythmias For Recertification [print this page] Heart has a rhythmic capability to beat and pump blood to our body and remarkably, does so without fail, throughout our existence. The rhythm has been meant to beat in particular prefixed numerical limits and with particular regularity. Arrhythmias are disorders characterized by irregular beating of the center. Arrhythmias can occur in a healthy heart and be of minimal consequence. At the same time they might co-exist with diseased heart and may be life-threatening or may cause, stroke, heart failure or sudden death.
An arrhythmia occurs when the regular electrical cycle of the heart is disrupted. Normally, tiny currents trigger the upper component of the heart, just before the bottom component of the heart, which are the muscular chambers that pump blood around the body. Fast arrhythmias are known as 'tachyarrhythmias'. When the heart goes too slowly because of a failure of electrical activation, it's referred to as a bradyarrhythmia. Most arrhythmias arising from the top of the heart are problematic but not life-threatening. Numerous arrhythmias that comes from the lower of the heart, are life-threatening.
Causes of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Some cardiac arrhythmias result from congenital heart defects that run in families. Others arise from a number of diseases that develop in people over a period of years. Others still result from sudden events for example heart attack. They might also be the outcome of excessive alcohol, smoking or particular drugs. Rarely despite extensive investigations no trigger is found of their occurrence. Cardiac arrhythmias may be symptomatic or might trigger a variety of warning symptoms for example palpitations or rapid thumping within the chest, feeling tired or light-headed, getting unconscious, having shortness of breath or chest pain.
Kinds of Arrhythmias
Following are the various types of cardiac arrhythmias: 1.Atrial fibrillation: The heart beats too fast and irregularly. This type of arrhythmia requires therapy and can improve risk of stroke. 2.Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia: The heart has episodes when it beats quick, but regularly. This kind of arrhythmia might be unpleasant but is usually not harmful. 3.Ectopic beats: The heart has an additional beat. Therapy generally isn't required unless you've several additional beats in row and/or other problems with your heart - such as heart illness or congenital heart failure. 4.Ventricular tachycardia: The heart beats too quick and may not pump sufficient blood. These kinds of arrhythmias are very dangerous and need immediate treatment.
The Remedy
Treatment depends on the kind of cardiac arrhythmia you have. Some mild arrhythmias require no treatment. Other arrhythmias can be treated with medicines. In more serious cases, other treatments are available: 1.Drugs. 2.A pacemaker: An electronic device placed under the skin on the chest. It helps the heart maintain a regular beat, especially when the heart beats too slowly. 3.Implantable cardiac defibrillation: Can be utilized to stop an abnormal rhythm and restore a normal one. 4.Surgery: Can correct certain kinds of arrhythmias. For example, arrhythmias caused by coronary artery illness might be controlled by bypass surgery. When an cardiac arrhythmia is causes by a certain area of the heart, occasionally that part of the heart could be destroyed or removed.
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