In cardiac arrhythmia, the normal heart rate is disturbed by various causes. The heart then beats either too slowly (bradycardia), too fast (tachycardia) or irregularly (arrhythmia). There are disturbances in the formation of electrical impulses that are supposed to trigger a heartbeat and disturbances in the transmission of these impulses. Read how cardiac arrhythmias differ and how to recognize them.
Cardiac arrhythmia: where do they come from?
Normally, the so-called sinus node, a small area in the atrium, generates electrical impulses for the heartbeat. These are conducted via the somewhat lower AV node into the ventricles. Cardiac arrhythmias can occur if the sinus node does not produce the electrical impulses properly, the impulses are not properly relayed, or additional impulses are created in the atrium or the chamber. There are dangerous and harmless cardiac arrhythmias.
Cardiac arrhythmia: symptoms
Read all about the symptoms of a heart rhythm disorder in the article Cardiac arrhythmia: Symptoms.
Cardiac arrhythmias: causes
Everything important to the causes of a cardiac arrhythmia read in the article Cardiac arrhythmia: causes.
Cardiac arrhythmia: what is there
Cardiac arrhythmia: sports
Especially in children and young people, the heart rate increases and decreases during inhalation and exhalation. These changes are called the heart rate sinus arrhythmia. This process is normal and requires no therapy. In sports sometimes extra beats of the heart, so-called extrasystoles. They are partly unpleasant, but mostly harmless.
Cardiac arrhythmia: treatment
If a tachycardia occurs very suddenly, it can also be tried first, if certain maneuvers can slow the pulse. For example, you can put an envelope with ice on your face, or with your breath held down. This partly reduces the heartbeat.
In case of frequent tachycardia, unpleasant “heart pains”, dizziness or fainting, a doctor should always be consulted, who can control the rhythm of the heart. The most important examination for suspected cardiac arrhythmias is the electrocardiogram (ECG). This records the electrical currents of the heart.
Some cardiac arrhythmias require no therapy. Sometimes medication must be taken to prevent the arrhythmia. In cardiac arrhythmias that make the heart beat too slowly, sometimes a pacemaker must be implanted.
Cardiac arrhythmia: consequences
Some arrhythmias are harmless, others dangerous. If a heart rhythm disorder lasts longer, it can have some consequences. The heart becomes weaker, the risk of stroke increases. A sudden cardiac death is possible.