Cardiac Arrhythmias

Cardiac arrhythmias are disturbances in the normal rhythm of the heartbeat. The heart may beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or with an irregular rhythm. These abnormal heart rhythms occur when the electrical signals that coordinate heartbeats aren't working properly. Arrhythmias range from harmless to life-threatening, depending on the type and severity.

Cardiac Arrhythmias

Causes

  • Coronary artery disease - Narrowed heart arteries can lead to a heart attack, which can damage heart tissue and cause arrhythmias.
  • High blood pressure - This can lead to the enlargement of your heart, which can change how electrical impulses travel through your heart.
  • Valve disorders - Leaking or narrowed heart valves can cause the heart to enlarge or weaken, leading to arrhythmias.
  • Congenital heart defects - Being born with certain heart abnormalities can affect the heart's rhythm.
  • Electrolyte imbalances - Low or high levels of key minerals (electrolytes) in your blood can affect your heart's electrical impulses.
  • Medications and supplements - Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications, as well as some herbal remedies and supplements, can trigger arrhythmias.
  • Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption - These substances can affect the heart's normal electrical signals.
  • Drug abuse - Certain drugs, particularly stimulants such as cocaine, can cause arrhythmias.
  • Smoking - Nicotine can cause arrhythmias and make existing ones worse.
  • Stress and anxiety - These emotions can trigger certain types of arrhythmias.
  • Thyroid problems - Both an overactive and underactive thyroid gland can cause arrhythmias.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Palpitations - A feeling of a racing, uncomfortable, irregular heartbeat or a flip-flopping in your chest.
  • Fatigue - Feeling more tired than usual.
  • Dizziness - Feeling lightheaded or faint.
  • Shortness of breath - Difficulty breathing during normal activities or even at rest.
  • Chest pain - Discomfort or pressure in the chest.
  • Fainting (syncope) - Loss of consciousness due to decreased blood flow to the brain.
  • Anxiety - Feeling nervous or worried about the sensations associated with arrhythmias.
  • Weakness - Generalized body weakness or decreased ability to exercise.
  • Sweating - Unusual sweating, particularly with exertion or at rest.

Diagnosis

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

This records the electrical activity of your heart using sensors (electrodes) attached to your chest and sometimes your limbs. An ECG can reveal if your heart is beating too fast, too slow, or irregularly.

Holter Monitor

This portable ECG device is worn for 24 to 48 hours or longer to record your heart's activity as you go about your daily routine.

Event Recorder

This portable ECG device is used to detect arrhythmias that occur sporadically. You activate it when you feel symptoms, and it records and stores your heart's electrical activity for your doctor to review later.

Echocardiogram

This noninvasive test uses sound waves to create detailed images of your heart's structure and motion.

Stress Test

Some arrhythmias are triggered or worsened by exercise. During a stress test, you'll exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle while your heart activity is monitored.

Electrophysiological Testing and Mapping

In this test, thin, flexible tubes (catheters) tipped with electrodes are threaded through your blood vessels to various spots in your heart. Once in place, the electrodes can map the spread of electrical impulses through your heart and identify the source of arrhythmias.

Treatment Options

Lifestyle Changes

Adopting heart-healthy habits can help manage arrhythmias. These include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a heart-healthy diet, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and managing stress.

Medications

Various drugs can help control arrhythmias, including antiarrhythmic drugs, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants (blood thinners), and antiplatelet drugs. The type of medication prescribed depends on the type and severity of your arrhythmia.

Cardioversion

This procedure can restore a normal heart rhythm by sending an electrical shock to your heart. It's typically used when emergency care is needed or when medications haven't worked.

Home Remedies

Manage Stress

Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or tai chi. Chronic stress can trigger or worsen arrhythmias in some people.

Limit Caffeine and Alcohol

Both caffeine and alcohol can trigger arrhythmias in some people. Consider reducing or eliminating these substances from your diet if they seem to trigger your symptoms.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can affect the concentration of electrolytes in your blood, potentially triggering arrhythmias. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Regular Physical Activity

Regular, moderate exercise can improve heart health and may help prevent or manage arrhythmias. Always consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

Get Adequate Sleep

Poor sleep can trigger arrhythmias in some people. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.

Preventive Care

  • Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
  • Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, which can trigger arrhythmias.
  • Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
  • Get regular check-ups to monitor heart health and address risk factors.
  • Take medications as prescribed to manage underlying conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your heart.
  • Monitor and control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
  • Follow your doctor's recommendations for managing any existing heart conditions.
  • Be aware of your family history of heart disease and discuss it with your doctor.
  • Learn the warning signs of arrhythmias and seek medical attention if they occur.

Surgical Options

Catheter Ablation

A procedure to destroy small areas of heart tissue that may be causing your arrhythmia. Catheters are threaded through blood vessels to your heart, and the tips of the catheters use heat (radiofrequency ablation) or extreme cold (cryoablation) to destroy the problem areas.

Learn More About This Procedure

Pacemaker Implantation

A small device implanted under the skin of your chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms. Pacemakers use electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate when it's beating too slowly.

Learn More About This Procedure

Schedule a Consultation

If you're experiencing symptoms of cardiac arrhythmias, our expert team is here to help you find the right treatment approach for your specific needs.

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