Abnormal Heartbeat

Abnormal heartbeat can be defined as the improper beating of the heart, whether the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular pattern. Abnormal heartbeat also called arrhythmia.

It may be life-threatening or completely harmless.

Types of an abnormal heartbeat:-

1. Tachycardia - Tachycardia means the heart is beating too fast than normal resting heart rate (60-100 bpm). If the heart beats over 100 bpm termed as tachycardia.

There are 3 subtypes of tachycardia-

a).Supraventricular tachycardia-It is a condition where the heart beats abnormally too fast and originate in the atria or AV node.

b). Ventricular tachycardia- It is a condition where the heart beats too fast and it arises from improper electrical activity in the ventricles of the heart.

c). Sinus tachycardia- It is a condition where heart rate is increased and it occurs during excitement or sickness.

2. Atrial fibrillation-It is a condition where atria beat rapidly, chaotically and ineffectively out of coordination with ventricles.

3. Atrial flutter- it is a condition in which the heart’s upper chamber beats rapidly but in a regular pattern.

4.Bradycardia- It means the heart is beating too slow than normal resting heart rate. Heartbeat less than 60bpm termed as bradycardia.

5. Ventricular fibrillation- It is a condition where ventricles beat with a rapid, erratic electrical impulse.

6. Premature contraction-  in this condition heart appears to skip a beat when the pulse is taken and this skipped beat cannot be heard or felt.

Causes:

• Coronary heart disease
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Certain medication
• Injury to the heart muscle after a heart attack
• Stress
• Alcohol

Symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Palpitation
• Tiredness
• Loss of consciousness
• Breathlessness
• Sweating

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the type and cause of abnormal heart rhythm.

It includes:

• Antiarrhythmic medicine
• Implantable device
• Surgery