Arrhythmia Outline
arrhythmias view An arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate (pulse) or heart rhythm. The heart can beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly. causes Arrhythmias may also be caused by some substances or drugs, including:
• alcohol, caffeine or stimulant drugs
• heart or drugs to the blood pressure
• Cigarette smoking (nicotine)
• Drugs that mimic the activity of the nervous system
• Medicines used for depression or psychosis
symptoms
When you have an arrhythmia, the heart rate may be:
• too slow (bradycardia)
• too fast (tachycardia)
• irregular, uneven, or skipping beats
The symptoms can be very mild, or may be severe or even fatal.
Together with you will also feel:
• Chest pain
• Fainting
• dizziness, vertigo …show more content…
• Pallor
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
Diagnosis
The doctor listens to your heart with a stethoscope and feel your pulse. The blood pressure may be low or normal.
Heart monitoring devices are often used to identify the problem of rhythm, such as a:
• Holter (used for 24 hours)
• The race monitor or loop recorder (worn for 2 weeks or more)
Other tests may be done to look at heart function:
• Coronary angiography
• ECG (electrocardiogram)
• Echocardiogram
A special test called an electrophysiological study (EPS), is made to give a closer look at the electrical system of the heart.
Treatment
When an arrhythmia is severe, you may need urgent treatment to restore a normal rhythm. This can include:
• electric "shock" therapy (defibrillation or cardioversion)
• The installation of a short-term pacemaker
• Drugs are given through a vein (intravenously), or orally
Sometimes, a better deal for your angina or heart failure will lower the chances of having an arrhythmia.
Drugs called anti-arrhythmic drugs may be used:
• To prevent arrhythmia from happening again
• To keep your heart rate from becoming too fast or too slow
Some of these drugs can have side effects. Take them as prescribed by health care provider. Do not stop taking your medication or change your dose without first talking to your doctor.
Prevention
The adoption of measures to prevent coronary artery disease may reduce chance of developing an
arrhythmia.
• alcohol, caffeine or stimulant drugs
• heart or drugs to the blood pressure
• Cigarette smoking (nicotine)
• Drugs that mimic the activity of the nervous system
• Medicines used for depression or psychosis
symptoms
When you have an arrhythmia, the heart rate may be:
• too slow (bradycardia)
• too fast (tachycardia)
• irregular, uneven, or skipping beats
The symptoms can be very mild, or may be severe or even fatal.
Together with you will also feel:
• Chest pain
• Fainting
• dizziness, vertigo …show more content…
• Pallor
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
Diagnosis
The doctor listens to your heart with a stethoscope and feel your pulse. The blood pressure may be low or normal.
Heart monitoring devices are often used to identify the problem of rhythm, such as a:
• Holter (used for 24 hours)
• The race monitor or loop recorder (worn for 2 weeks or more)
Other tests may be done to look at heart function:
• Coronary angiography
• ECG (electrocardiogram)
• Echocardiogram
A special test called an electrophysiological study (EPS), is made to give a closer look at the electrical system of the heart.
Treatment
When an arrhythmia is severe, you may need urgent treatment to restore a normal rhythm. This can include:
• electric "shock" therapy (defibrillation or cardioversion)
• The installation of a short-term pacemaker
• Drugs are given through a vein (intravenously), or orally
Sometimes, a better deal for your angina or heart failure will lower the chances of having an arrhythmia.
Drugs called anti-arrhythmic drugs may be used:
• To prevent arrhythmia from happening again
• To keep your heart rate from becoming too fast or too slow
Some of these drugs can have side effects. Take them as prescribed by health care provider. Do not stop taking your medication or change your dose without first talking to your doctor.
Prevention
The adoption of measures to prevent coronary artery disease may reduce chance of developing an
arrhythmia.