Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by irregular heartbeats. These irregularities can range from harmless to life-threatening, affecting the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Arrhythmias can cause the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or with an irregular rhythm (fibrillation).
Cardiac arrhythmias can occur suddenly and often without an obvious trigger. The heart functions like a pump that keeps blood flowing throughout the body, with the sinus node acting as a pacemaker by sending out electrical signals that regulate heartbeats. These signals travel through the AV node, directing the upper and lower chambers of the heart to contract and pump blood. Various factors can disrupt this process, leading to arrhythmias:
Arrhythmias can also occur without any evidence of structural heart disease. Examples include:
These types of arrhythmias can occur in hearts that are structurally normal and can sometimes lead to sudden cardiac death.
Note: The risk of arrhythmia increases as the cardiac muscle weakens in these conditions. Weakened cardiac muscles can lead to cardiac arrest, necessitating cardiac arrest treatment.
Cardioversion is a procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm in individuals with certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter. This is typically achieved by delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart, either externally through paddles placed on the chest or internally via catheters, with the goal of resetting the heart's electrical activity and restoring a regular heartbeat.
Catheter ablation is a safe medical procedure used to treat some types of arrhythmias. It involves the use of radiofrequency (RF) energy to destroy the areas of the heart causing abnormal electrical signals. This procedure is highly effective for treating many arrhythmias, such as PSVT, WPW Syndrome Tachycardia, atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, and some ventricular tachycardias in a normal heart. The success rates are very high, with a recurrence rate of only 1-2%.
Pacemaker implantation is used to treat bradyarrhythmias, which are conditions where the heart beats very slowly. While a resting heart rate of even 50 beats per minute can be normal in physically active individuals, bradyarrhythmias caused by disease of the electrical conduction system can be serious and may lead to loss of consciousness. In such cases, implantable pacemakers are necessary to regulate the heart rate.
An ICD is a device surgically implanted in the chest to monitor the heart's rhythm and deliver an electrical shock if it detects a dangerous arrhythmia, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. ICDs are used to prevent sudden cardiac death by promptly correcting life-threatening arrhythmias.
An AED is a portable device that monitors the heart rhythm and can deliver an electric shock if needed to restore a normal rhythm. It is commonly used to treat sudden cardiac arrest and can be used by laypeople in emergency situations.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat arrhythmias, especially those caused by heart valve problems or heart muscle damage. The specific type of surgery will depend on the underlying condition and the type of arrhythmia.
These procedures are critical for managing and treating various types of arrhythmias, ensuring patients maintain a healthy and regular heart rhythm.
A: Common causes include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, injury from a heart attack, or changes in the heart muscle.
A: Arrhythmia is diagnosed using tests like ECG, Holter monitor, echocardiogram, stress tests, and electrophysiological studies.
A: Some arrhythmias can be managed or cured with medication, lifestyle changes, or surgical interventions like ablation or implantation of a pacemaker.
A: While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention, especially those originating in the ventricles.
A: Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing risk factors like hypertension and diabetes, avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine, and reducing stress.
Yatharth Hospital's Heart and Vascular Center is a tertiary care facility equipped with state-of-the-art technology, offering comprehensive cardiac care programs. For end-stage heart failure patients, we provide advanced treatments such as Pacemaker implantation, ACD, CRT, Heart Hole surgeries (ASD, VSD, PDA), Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Angioplasty, and Angiography. Our center is a one-stop destination for a wide range of cardiac treatments, including invasive and interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, pacemaker and arrhythmia services, management of abdominal and descending thoracic aneurysms, and varicose veins. Our facility features cutting-edge Cath Labs, operation theatres, ICU beds, and other advanced heart care technologies.
Cardiac arrhythmias are complex electrical disorders of the heart, often caused by genetic abnormalities. Due to these complexities, arrhythmia has become a major subspecialty within cardiology, managed by specialized cardiologists known as electrophysiologists. At Yatharth Hospital, our team of expert cardiologists and electrophysiologists specializes in treating arrhythmia using a variety of methods, including Antiarrhythmic agents, Automated External Defibrillators, Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs), Cardioversion, and Catheter Ablation.
Trust Yatharth Hospital's Heart and Vascular Center for your cardiac care, where cutting-edge technology and expert care converge to provide the best possible outcomes for patients with arrhythmia and other heart conditions.
Yatharth Hospital is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with arrhythmia, offering advanced diagnostic and treatment options. Our team of experienced cardiologists and electrophysiologists work together to deliver personalized care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of arrhythmia, contact us for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.
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