Facts About Irregular Heartbeat
June 3, 2009
The electrical system present in the heart controls the pace and rhythm of our heartbeat. In normal circumstances, the rate of our heartbeat remains between 50 to 100 beats per minute. Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia is the irregular rhythm of the heartbeat.
Arrhythmia can occur when the heart is beating too fast, the condition known as tachyarrhythmia, when the heartbeat rate is above 100 beats per minute. Irregular heartbeat can occur with bradyarrhythmia, when heartbeat rate is less than 60 beats per minute. Irregular heartbeats can also occur with normal heartbeat rate.
Irregular heartbeats are often harmless. But sometimes they may become fatal. In certain instances, the causes of irregular heartbeats are not quite clear. However, heart ailments, changes in the heart muscles, heart attack, electrolyte imbalance, stress, smoking, and drug and alcohol abuse are responsible for irregular heartbeat. Risk of arrhythmia is highest among people suffering from heart ailments, hypertension and sleep apnea. Sometimes arrhythmia is present in individuals since birth.
Symptoms
People suffering from arrhythmia can feel that they have skipped heartbeats. The heart will beat too fast or slow, there will be pauses in between beats. There will be a general feeling of fatigue, anxiety, dizziness, shortness of breath, sweating, fainting and chest discomfort.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should immediately visit your physician for a check up. Electrocardiogram, Holter monitor, Echocardiogram, Stress Test, Electrophysiology study or EPS, Cardiac Catherization are some of the tests, which your doctor will advise, to help diagnose the condition. Medication, surgery and lifestyle changes are used for treating arrhythmia. Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator might be implanted to restore normal heartbeat rhythm.
Preventing Irregular Heartbeat
Sometimes certain stressful activities trigger irregular heartbeat. Avoid these activities to prevent arrhythmia. To prevent arrhythmia, stop smoking, stop excess consumption of alcohol and caffeine present in coffee, tea and colas. Sometimes irregular heartbeats occur as side effects of certain cold and cough medicines. Ask your physician about the possible side effects of such medicines, before consuming them.
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