User:Mr. Ibrahem/Arrhythmia
Group of conditions in which the heartbeat is irregular, too fast, or too slow / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Arrhythmia, also known as cardiac arrhythmia or heart arrhythmia, is a group of conditions in which the heartbeat is irregular, too fast, or too slow.[2] The heart rate that is too fast – above 100 beats per minute in adults – is called tachycardia, and a heart rate that is too slow – below 60 beats per minute – is called bradycardia.[2] Some types of arrhythmias have no symptoms.[1] Symptoms when present may include palpitations or feeling a pause between heartbeats.[1] In more serious cases, there may be lightheadedness, passing out, shortness of breath or chest pain.[1] While most types of arrhythmia are not serious, some predispose a person to complications such as stroke or heart failure.[2][3] Others may result in sudden death.[3]
Arrhythmia | |
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Other names | Cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac dysrhythmia, irregular heartbeat, heart arrhythmia |
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) showing disorganized electrical activity producing a spiked tracing on an electrocardiogram (ECG) | |
Specialty | Cardiology |
Symptoms | Palpitations, lightheadedness, passing out, shortness of breath, chest pain[1] |
Complications | Stroke, heart failure[2][3] |
Usual onset | Older age[4] |
Types | Extra beats, supraventricular tachycardias, ventricular arrhythmias, bradyarrhythmias[3] |
Causes | Problems with the electrical conduction system of the heart[2] |
Diagnostic method | Electrocardiogram, Holter monitor[5] |
Treatment | Medications, medical procedures (pacemaker), surgery[6] |
Frequency | Millions[4] |
There are four main groups of arrhythmia: extra beats, supraventricular tachycardias, ventricular arrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias.[3] Extra beats include premature atrial contractions, premature ventricular contractions and premature junctional contractions.[3] Supraventricular tachycardias include atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.[3] Ventricular arrhythmias include ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.[3][7] Arrhythmias are due to problems with the electrical conduction system of the heart.[2] Arrhythmias may also occur in children, however, the normal range for the heart rate is different and depends on age.[3] A number of tests can help with diagnosis including an electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter monitor.[5]
Most arrhythmias can be effectively treated.[2] Treatments may include medications, medical procedures such as inserting a pacemaker and surgery.[6] Medications for a fast heart rate may include beta blockers or agents that attempt to restore a normal heart rhythm such as procainamide.[6] This latter group may have more significant side effects, especially if taken for a long period of time.[6] Pacemakers are often used for slow heart rates.[6] Those with an irregular heartbeat are often treated with blood thinners to reduce the risk of complications.[6] Those who have severe symptoms from an arrhythmia may receive urgent treatment with a controlled electric shock in the form of cardioversion or defibrillation.[6]
Arrhythmia affects millions of people.[4] In Europe and North America, as of 2014, atrial fibrillation affects about 2% to 3% of the population.[8] Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter resulted in 112,000 deaths in 2013, up from 29,000 in 1990.[9] Sudden cardiac death is the cause of about half of deaths due to cardiovascular disease and about 15% of all deaths globally.[10] About 80% of sudden cardiac death is the result of ventricular arrhythmias.[10] Arrhythmias may occur at any age but are more common among older people.[4]