Heart Rhythm and Arrhythmias
Written By: Vidhi Bar
What exactly is a heart rhythm and arrhythmia?
A person’s heart normally beats at a consistent rhythm, supplying the lungs, heart,other organs and tissues with a regular and predictable amount of blood and oxygen. An irregular heartbeat is known as an arrhythmia or a heart rhythm disorder. A normal heart rate is usually between 50–100 bpm. It is typical for a person’s heart rate to go up while working out, to make sure all your muscles are getting enough oxygen and blood flowing.
Causes of Heart Arrhythmias
There are a variety of reasons for an irregular heartbeat. Usually, arrhythmias are harmless without any concern, but some can be quite serious. Aerobic exercises and strenuous activities are normal causes of arrhythmias. Dehydration or a change in medications can also trigger normal fluctuations in the heart rhythm. Other causes that are more serious are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, valve disorders, electrolyte imbalance, injury from a heart attack or healing from heart surgery. Heart arrhythmias may also be caused due to genetics.
Types of Arrhythmias
There are various types of arrhythmias, some more normal and common than others.
The two main types of arrhythmias are known as tachycardia and bradycardia. Tachy meaning fast and cardia meaning related to the heart. Bradycardia is when the heart rate is lower than 60 bpm. Brady means slow, as when the heart rate is greater than 100 bpm. Supraventricular arrhythmias are when arrhythmias begin in the atria of the heart (2 upper chambers). Ventricular arrhythmias are arrhythmias that begin in the ventricles of the heart(2 lower chambers). Bradyarrhythmias are slow rhythms that could be caused due to a disease in the heart’s conduction system. These are some common arrhythmias.
Diagnosis
The most common way doctors test arrhythmias are by using an EKG or ECG. An electrocardiogram displays a person’s heartbeat to see if it is normal or irregular. Depending on the results, the doctor may order other tests. Treadmill testing (also known as a stress test), is also another common way to diagnose, except the fact that it is exercise-related. If a person is suspected to have an arrhythmia, an echocardiogram is used. This machine uses ultrasound waves to show the heart’s size, structure and motion. Many other tests can be used depending on the severity or how much is revealed from a test.
Sources
“About Arrhythmia | American Heart Association.” Www.Heart.Org, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia. Accessed 6 July 2020.
“Cardiac Arrhythmia. Cardiac Arrhythmia Definition: The Pumping Action of the Heart Is Coordinated by an Electrical System within the Heart Tissue. — Ppt Download.” SlidePlayer — Upload and Share Your PowerPoint Presentations, https://slideplayer.com/slide/5309163/. Accessed 6 July 2020.
“Common Tests for Arrhythmia | American Heart Association.” Www.Heart.Org, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/symptoms-diagnosis--monitoring-of-arrhythmia/common-tests-for-arrhythmia. Accessed 6 July 2020.
“Exercise Intensity: How to Measure It — Mayo Clinic.” Mayo Clinic, 6 Aug. 2019, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise-intensity/art-20046887#:~:text=You%20can%20calculate%20your%20maximum,beat%20per%20minute%20during%20exercise.
“Heart Rhythms: What’s Normal Versus Cause for Concern? | Johns Hopkins Medicine.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, Based in Baltimore, Maryland, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/heart-rhythms-whats-normal-versus-cause-for-concern. Accessed 6 July 2020.
