Arrhythmia
What is cardiac arrhythmia?
In healthy adults the resting heart rate typically falls within the range of 60 to 100 beats per minute. Arrhythmia refers to irregularities in the heartbeat which can display as being too fast, too slow or irregular in timing
In rare cases arrhythmia can cause blood clots to form leading to a possible stroke or pulmonary embolism. When a person has an arrhythmia for a prolonged period of time heart failure can occur due to the heart losing its ability to effectively pump blood.
There are four categories that arrythmia may fall under:
Causes and risk factors
Several factors can contribute to the development of arrhythmias, including:
- Heart disease: Conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart valve disease or a previous heart attack can increase the risk of arrythmias.
- Electrolyte imbalance: Abnormal levels of potassium, magnesium or calcium in the blood can disrupt the heart’s electrical activity.
- High blood pressure (hypertension): Prolonged high blood pressure can strain the heart and increase the risk of arrhythmias.
- Thyroid disorders: Overactive or underactive thyroid glands can affect heart function and increase the risk of arrythmias.
- Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains chemicals that can damage the heart and increase the risk of arrhythmias.
- Alcohol or drug abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption or illicit drug use can disrupt normal heart rhythm.
- Family history: Genetics may play a role in predisposing individuals to certain types of arrhythmias.
- Age: Older adults are at higher risk of developing arrhythmias due to age-related changes in the heart’s electrical system.
Symptoms of arrhythmia
Keep in mind that some arrhythmias may not display symptoms. Heart arrhythmias may only appear during regular check-ups with your GP. Symptoms of arrhythmia include:
- A fluttering sensation in the chest
- Heart palpitations (being uncomfortably aware that your heart is beating)
- Dizziness and/or fainting
- Light-headedness
- Weakness
- Breathlessness
Diagnosis
The choice of diagnostic tests depends on various factors including your clinical presentation, symptoms and the suspected type of arrhythmia. A comprehensive evaluation (often involving multiple tests and assessments) is necessary to accurately diagnose and manage heart arrhythmias effectively.
Treatments
Arrhythmias may not always pose life-threatening risk and might not necessitate immediate treatment. However, if treatment is deemed necessary the specialists at Cardiology Specialists Melbourne ensure a thorough assessment of your condition and comprehensive information before initiating any intervention. Treatment options include:
In some cases, particularly when medications and other interventions are either ineffective or suggested to not be used, catheter ablation may be considered. This procedure involves using radiofrequency energy or cryotherapy to destroy abnormal heart tissue that is causing the arrhythmia thereby restoring normal heart rhythm.
More information
Learn more about arrythmia and access more patient resources:
Arrythmia – Heart FoundationÂ
Download a checklist for identifying and monitoring possible arrythmia at home:
Consult a cardiologist
Are you experiencing an irregular heart beat? Contact Cardiology Specialists Melbourne. Our expert doctors are dedicated to caring for your heart health.