By Dr. Alexandra Sisam ND | Updated by Birgitta Kautz
Arrhythmias
Medical arrhythmia definition is a heart rhythm problem. In other words, arrhythmia means an irregular heartbeat.
This abnormal heart rhythm includes the following different problems with the heart rate: either the heart beats too fast, or too slowly, or out of its rhythm. Often, people affected perceive these disorders as skipped heartbeats or racing hearts.
Arrhythmias can affect all age groups but certain arrhythmia types are more common in older people. Many people can live a normal life if the heart condition is diagnosed and treated properly.
However, if not treated, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood. Reduced blood flow can lead to damage to the brain, the heart, the lungs, or other organs. This can cause life-threatening emergencies such as stroke, cardiac arrest, or heart failure.
Arrhythmia vs dysrhythmia
Both terms refer to the same condition, a heartbeat that is abnormal in speed or rhythm. They both go back to the old Greek word for rhythm or movement. While the prefix “a” means without, the prefix “dys” means bad or difficult.
The heart muscle contracts at regular intervals. The impulse generator for these muscle contractions is the so-called sinus node.
This natural pacemaker is found in the upper part of the right chamber of the heart, known as the atrium. Electrical signals move from here to the muscle fibres of the heart, setting the heartbeat and rhythm.
Two factors can be responsible for the development of heart arrhythmias. One factor is that the formation of the electrical impulses is disturbed. Another factor is faulty transmission within the stimulus conduction system.
At rest, the heart of an adult beats between 60 and 80 times a minute. The pulse rate increases with excitement and physical activity. In contrast, during sleep and after recovery, it becomes slower.
There are different types of arrhythmia in which this normal heart rate is lost. When the heart beats slower than 60 times per minute, it is called bradycardia. When it beats faster than normal, over 100 beats per minute, it is referred to as tachycardia.
There are different forms of tachycardia, depending on where the fast heartbeat starts. The most common one is ventricular tachycardia (vt). It is caused by abnormal electrical signals in the ventricles, and the lower chambers of the heart.
However, one of the most common arrhythmias is extrasystoles. Extrasystoles are additional heartbeats or heartbeats outside the normal rhythm. To a certain extent, they occur in everyone, also in healthy hearts. Treatment is usually only needed if they become more frequent or symptoms occur.
Even in healthy people, the heart does not beat at the same rhythm throughout the day. This is because our body needs more oxygen and energy during both physical exertion and mental stress.
Both oxygen and energy are supplied via the bloodstream. This is why our heart beats faster in cases of nervousness, anxiety, stress and excitement. It also happens when we exercise and climb stairs.
These adaptations to needs are completely normal and are controlled by our unconscious nervous system.
Arrhythmias, on the other hand, are often either a symptom of other cardiovascular diseases or a sign of so-called neurovegetative dysregulation. This means a condition in which the adaptation of the nervous system to the current requirements does not function properly.
This occurs when the body continues to be in stress mode even though the actual stressful situation is already over.
In sensitive individuals, excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages such as coke, tea or coffee can also result in skipped heartbeats.
Other possible arrhythmia causes are:
- Side effects of various medications
- Febrile infections (infections with fever)
- Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)
- Heart attack or coronary heart disease
- Heart valve disease
- High blood pressure
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Electrolyte imbalance (e.g. magnesium or potassium deficiency)
- Inherited heart conditions (such as the rare Long QT syndrome)
Symptoms are not always noticeable. The most common heart arrhythmia symptoms perceived are a racing heart (heart palpitations) and skipped heartbeats.
Tachycardia is often only noticed in the case of a very fast heartbeat of over 160 beats per minute. Bradycardia is usually only felt by patients when their heart beats very slowly, with less than 40 beats per minute.
Some patients suffer additionally from dizziness, light-headedness and fatigue. Others complain of cardiac pain, stabbing pain in the heart and a tight chest. These symptoms can therefore be similar to those of angina pectoris.
In severe cases, there may be fainting spells with a brief loss of consciousness or even seizures.
Extrasystoles happen now and again to everyone and only rarely require treatment.
Other types of abnormal heart rhythms are more dangerous, such as ventricular arrhythmias. The most serious among them is ventricular fibrillation, an uncontrolled extremely fast heartbeat. It can lead to cardiac arrest and requires immediate treatment.
Arrhythmias associated with symptoms such as stabbing pain or chest pain, breathlessness or dizziness should always be clarified with a doctor. If the symptoms are particularly noticeable and severe, you might even need to go to the emergency room. Otherwise, you should see your family doctor who will usually refer you to a cardiologist.
The doctor listens to your heart using a stethoscope and also measures your blood pressure and pulse. Electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography are both important diagnostic methods.
Echocardiography is an ultrasound scan of the heart. An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart using electrodes that are placed on the skin. This test can also be done as a long-term ECG for 24 hours or longer, or as a stress ECG, using a bicycle ergometer.
The better the diagnosis, the more targeted the treatment can be.
Severe arrhythmias require medical treatment in all cases. Even for mild to moderate cases, a doctor will usually prescribe some arrhythmia treatment in the form of drugs.
However, you can also do a lot yourself for your heart health!
Health tips for arrhythmia:
- Review your lifestyle! Ensure a proper rhythm of work-rest with enough sleep and plenty of exercise in the fresh air.
- Eat a healthy diet with lots of vitamins and antioxidants.
- Avoid alcohol, nicotine and preferably also caffeinated beverages.
- Try to include conscious breaks in strenuous and stressful situations.
- Learn relaxation techniques and exercises.
Shop for Pascoe remedies here.