Symptoms and causes of arrhythmia

Arrhythmias are disturbances in the rhythm of the heart that can cause irregular, fast or slow heartbeats. Although some are harmless, others can indicate serious heart problems. In this article, we explore what an arrhythmia is, its causes, symptoms, types and the most effective treatments to control it.

What is arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is a heart rhythm disturbance that causes the heart to beat irregularly, either too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia) or erratically. These irregularities can affect the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently, which can compromise the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the rest of the body.

Causes of arrhythmia

Arrhythmias can originate for a variety of reasons, including:

• Coronary heart disease: blockage of the arteries supplying blood to the heart can damage heart tissue and disrupt its rhythm.

• Electrolyte imbalances: Abnormal levels of minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium are essential for the electrical conduction of the heart.

• Changes in the heart muscle: Conditions such as cardiomyopathy can distort the structure of the heart, affecting its ability to conduct electrical impulses.

• High blood pressure: High blood pressure can thicken and stiffen the walls of the heart, affecting its rhythm.

• Substance use: Excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine or recreational drugs may trigger arrhythmias.

• Stress and anxiety: Intense stressful situations or anxiety disorders can influence heart rate and rhythm.

• Genetic factors: Some arrhythmias have an inherited predisposition.

In certain cases, arrhythmias may occur without an identifiable cause.

Symptoms of arrhythmia

The symptoms of an arrhythmia may vary depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia. Some individuals may be asymptomatic, while others may experience.

• Palpitations: Sensation of rapid, pounding or irregular heartbeat in the chest.

• Dizziness or lightheadedness: Sensation of fainting or loss of balance.

• Fainting (syncope): Temporary loss of consciousness.

• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or choking sensation.

• Chest pain or discomfort: Sensation of pressure, tightness or pain in the chest area.

It is crucial to seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms, as some arrhythmias can be potentially dangerous.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis of an arrhythmia usually involves.

• Medical history and physical examination: evaluation of symptoms, medical history and risk factors.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Recording of the heart's electrical activity to identify irregularities in the rhythm.

• Holter monitoring: Continuous ECG recording for 24 to 48 hours to detect intermittent arrhythmias.

• Stress test: Evaluation of heart rhythm during physical exercise.

• Electrophysiological study: Invasive procedure that analyzes the heart's electrical system in detail.

These tests help determine the type of arrhythmia and the most appropriate treatment strategy.

Types of arrhythmia

Arrhythmias are classified according to the speed and origin of the rhythm disturbance:

• Supraventricular tachycardia: rapid beats originating in the atria or at the atrioventricular junction.

• Ventricular tachycardia: rapid beats originating in the ventricles; can be life-threatening.

• Atrial fibrillation: Rapid, irregular beats in the atria, increasing the risk of stroke.

• Ventricular fibrillation: Uncoordinated heartbeat in the ventricles; requires immediate medical attention.

• Bradycardia: Slower than normal heartbeat; may be normal in trained individuals or indicate a problem in the cardiac conduction system.

Accurate identification of the type of arrhythmia is essential for effective treatment.

Treatment

Treatment of arrhythmias depends on their type, cause and severity, and includes.

• Medications: Antiarrhythmic drugs to control the heart rhythm, anticoagulants to prevent clots, and others depending on the underlying condition.

• Medical procedures: Such as electrical cardioversion to restore normal rhythm or catheter ablation to remove areas of the heart that cause arrhythmias.

• Implantable devices: Pacemakers to correct bradycardias or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) to treat ventricular tachycardias or ventricular fibrillation.

• Lifestyle changes: Adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding stimulants and managing stress.

The choice of appropriate treatment should be personalized and supervised by a cardiology specialist.

Maintaining open communication with the medical team and following recommendations is critical to the effective management of arrhythmias and promotion of cardiovascular health.

Reviewed by Dr. Guzman