What is Arrhythmia?
An abnormal heart rhythm is called an arrhythmia,
which means that the heart beats too slowly, too rapidly, or in an irregular pattern. There are many types of arrhythmias, which are identified according to where they occur in the heart (
atria or ventricles
) and by what happens to the heart's rhythm when they occur. Arrhythmias arising in the atria are described as atrial or supraventricular (above the ventricles). Arrhythmias originating in the ventricles are generally the most serious type of abnormal heart rhythm.
Arrhythmias are classified based on the presence or absence of heart disease. In the absence of structural heart disease, all arrhythmias are benign (harmless) and do not have an impact on health or longevity. In other cases, however, arrhythmias can indicate the presence of heart disease, which is why a physician should evaluate them.
Palpitations
The heart’s electrical system generates impulses that are felt as heartbeats. Every cell in the heart muscle is capable of initiating an electrical impulse; therefore, it is normal to have occasional premature beats that can occur under normal conditions. If you have rapid or irregular heartbeats, this can cause a sensation called palpitation. Patients describe palpitations as a fullness in the throat or neck or as feeling a more forceful beat. They are usually felt at times when the mind and body are relaxed, so patients often experience palpitations in the evening when reading, watching television, or getting into bed. Feeling palpitations sometimes causes anxiety that can produce increased adrenaline levels, which, in turn, can increase the frequency of the premature beats and make the palpitations worse. Although palpitations can be a benign condition, they should always be evaluated by a cardiologist to rule out any underlying problems.
Atrial Fibrillation
Description:
Atrial fibrillation, the most common type of arrhythmia, is characterized by fast and irregular heart rhythms. It is caused by electrical abnormalities located in the pulmonary veins of the left atrium.
Symptoms:
Shortness of breath, lightheadedness,
palpitations,
chest discomfort.
Treatment:
Antiarrhythmic drugs
are sometimes sufficient treatment for atrial fibrillation. In certain cases, a
pacemaker
and/or
cardiac ablation
are needed to control this condition.
Medical Treatment with Antiarrhythmic Drugs:
The initial treatment for atrial rhythm disorders is antiarrhythmic drug therapy. These drugs can slow the conduction of rapid heart rhythms and/or convert them to a normal sinus rhythm. Drugs, however, do not cure heart rhythm disorders, and they are not effective in all patients. They also require that a patient maintain a very strict schedule of follow-up care with his or her physician. Blood tests are needed for those on long-term therapy to monitor the level of antiarrhythmic drugs in their body. An Anticoagulation Service has been established at Hackensack University Medical Center to meet the specific needs of patients who take blood thinning medication as part of their treatment.
(Click here for information about the
Anticoagulation Service.
)
Catheter Ablation:
Catheter ablation is a non-surgical technique that sometimes offers a cure for patients with heart rhythm abnormalities. This procedure is an option for those patients who are not controlled by medical therapy.
(For more information about this procedure, see
Catheter Ablation.
)
Device Therapy:
In a subset of patients with paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent atrial fibrillation, devices can be used to either prevent atrial fibrillation or convert it to a normal sinus rhythm. These devices include pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD).
(For more information, see
Pacemaker Implantation
or
ICD Insertion.
)
