What are Heart Arrhythmias?

Heart arrhythmias occur when the electrical impulses in your heart does not function properly resulting in an irregular heart beat. Most people have, on occasion, experienced this sort of feeling, but it may become a problem if they occur often.

What are the symptoms of Heart Arrhythmias?

Heart arrhythmias may not actually show symptoms that you can notice. However, some common, noticeable symptoms of heart arrhythmias include: fluttering in your chest; racing heartbeat; slow heartbeat; chest pain; shortness of breath; lightheadedness; dizziness; and fainting.

What Causes Heart Arrhythmias?

Heart arrhythmias occur when the electrical impulses within the heart do not function properly causing an irregular heartbeat.

What Increases My Risk of Developing Heart Arrhythmias?

Factors that may increase the risk of developing heart arrhythmias may include: age; genetics; coronary artery disease; thyroid problems; drugs and supplements; high blood pressure; diabetes; obstructive sleep apnea; electrolyte imbalance; alcohol consumption; and stimulant use.

How is Heart Arrhythmias Diagnosed?

Heart arrhythmias can be diagnosed through a series of tests that help eliminate other possible conditions and aid in the confirmation of heart arrhythmias. These tests include: electrocardiogram (ECG); holter monitor; event monitor; echocardiogram; stress test; tilt table test; and electrophysiologic testing and mapping.

How Heart Arrhythmias Treated?

Medication and procedures can be used to treat heart arrhythmias, but only if the condition requires it. In many people, the severity and frequency are not significant enough to require medications or surgery. Some of these treatments include: cardioversion; radiofrequency catheter ablation; pacemaker; implantable cardio defibrillator (ICD); coronary bypass surgery; and lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, avoidance of protein, limiting alcohol, and drinking liquids.

Medications for Heart Arrhythmias

Some common medications used to treat heart arrhythmias include:

• • Calan
  • Mexitil
  • Inderal