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The heart can beat too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia). An arrhythmia can also mean that your heart beats irregularly (skips a beat or has an extra beat). In general, arrhythmias that start in the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles) are more serious than those that start in the upper chambers (the atria). Types of arrhythmias:- Atrial fibrillation. The heart beats too fast and irregularly. This type of arrhythmia requires treatment and can increase your risk of stroke.
- Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT). The heart has episodes when it beats fast, but regularly. This type of arrhythmia may be unpleasant but is usually not dangerous. PAT is an example of an arrhythmia where the abnormality is in the electrical system of the heart, while the heart muscle and valves may be normal. PAT is susceptible to alcohol excess, stress, caffeine, an overactive thyroid or excessive thyroid hormone intake, and certain drugs.
- Ectopic beats. The heart has an extra beat. Treatment usually is not needed unless you have several extra beats in a row and/or other problems with your heart (such as heart disease or congenital heart failure).
- Ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. The heart beats too fast and may not pump enough blood. These types of arrhythmias are very dangerous and need immediate treatment.
Causes & Development The heart has 4 chambers. The contractions are controlled by an electrical signal that begins in the heart's natural "pacemaker" (the SA node). A problem here, or signals coming from elsewhere, can cause an arrhythmia. However, arrhythmias can occur for no known reason. They usually are not a cause for alarm. Arrhythmias that occur more often or cause symptoms may be more serious and need to be discussed with your doctor. You may need to take a treadmill test while your heart is monitored, or monitor your heart while you do your daily activities. This can be done with a Holter monitor for 24 hours.
Other equipment is available for use when monitoring for more 24 hours. |
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