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Arrhythmias: Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Fast, Slow, Irregular)
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Description | Treatment Options | John Muir Health Capabilities
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Definition
A problem anywhere along the electrical path, called the conduction system of the heart, can disrupt the regular beating of the heart and cause an arrhythmia. The heartbeat can become too fast or too slow and can be chaotic or unsteady. Symptoms vary based on the rhythm change.
Description
Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) are problems that affect the electrical system, or "wiring," of the heart muscle. Heart arrhythmias are very common and millions of people will experience an abnormal heart rhythm some time during their lives. Most are not serious.
The heartbeat may be too slow, too fast or beat in a chaotic, irregular pattern. Some people feel a tremor-like sensation, or flutter. Others describe a pounding in the chest, or feel as if the heart is pumping with unusual force. These sensations of feeling your heart beat are called "palpitations."
Heart rhythm disorders cause many different symptoms or no symptoms at all. Sometimes, a person may feel an irregular heartbeat. Lightheadedness, fainting, chest pain and/or shortness of breath are signs that an arrhythmia may be serious.Palpitations are a common complaint that many people describe as a skipping, pounding, fluttering, flip-flopping, racing, or sudden stopping of the heartbeat. You may feel your heart speed up when you climb a flight of stairs or drink too much coffee. The rapid beating may last for seconds, minutes or even hours.
A rapid heartbeat with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness or fainting (syncope) may be due to a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia called ventricular tachycardia.
Lightheadedness or loss of consciousness. Lightheadedness is a common symptom that has many causes, including temporary conditions that are not serious. It is often described as feeling "far-away" or off balance. Individuals may feel as if they will faint or "black out." If the heart rate is too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia) the blood supply to the brain may be reduced. If either arrhythmia lasts longer than six seconds, it can cause loss of consciousness, or fainting. The medical term for fainting is syncope.
Chest pain (angina) may be caused by rapid heart rhythms (tachycardias) that increase the oxygen needs of your heart. When the demand is too great, the heart cries out in pain. Pressure or aching in the chest and shortness of breath may accompany the fast heart rhythms. These are serious warning signs that should send you to a doctor. Chest pain also may be caused by coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition in which the blood supply to the heart is reduced because of clogged blood vessels. The medical term for this type of pain is called angina pectoris. Angina may be the warning sign of a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, may be a sign of heart failure, or of a rapid heart rate that impairs the heart's ability to fill, causing blood to back up into the lungs. The most common arrhythmia associated with shortness of breath is atrial fibrillation. It also may be a symptom of more serious ventricular arrhythmias. Fatigue is a common complaint with many causes, most of which are unrelated to the heart. It is normal to feel tired following hard work or exercise, sustained stress, anxiety or grief. Most illnesses can cause fatigue. Some medications and other medical treatments also may be a cause. People may feel tired when the heart rate is very slow (bradycardia) or rapid (tachycardia).
Treatment Options
The decision as to appropriate treatment is based upon a comprehensive medical examination and special tests. The tests help the doctor diagnose the problem. Heart rhythm problems present with a variety of symptoms and complaints. Treatment varies and must match the cause of the problem. The first six of the following are tests that help the doctor identify what the problem is and narrow down possible causes. The last three are treatments that can eliminate or stop episodes.
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiogram
- Holter Monitoring
- Event Recorder
- Tilt Table Testing
- Electrophysiology Study
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Implantable Defibrillators
- Pacemakers
John Muir Health Capabilities
John Muir Health is very proud of its Cardiac Rhythm Center. John Muir Health has eight leading cardiac rhythm specialists in the Bay Area on staff at John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Campus and John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus. These rhythm specialists are cardiologists that completed special training in the care of individuals with heart rhythm problems. Special equipment and well trained staff at John Muir Health are available to care for those with the complex and life-threatening problems.