Heart rhythm disturbances are calledarrhythmias . These disorders affect the speed and regularity of work. The disorders are classified according to the part of the heart from which they originate, the conduction pathway or the syndrome to which they are related. Generally, arrhythmias do not occur because the nerve impulses to the heart muscle fail to function properly. As a result of these differences in electrical activity, the heart may beat too fast or experience extremely irregular fibrillations.
Almost every person experiences a heart rhythm disorder at some point in their lives. During this experience, it is generally felt that the heart beats rapidly or flutters irregularly. Although this condition is usually not harmful, some arrhythmias can be persistent and should be treated with caution. In poorly progressing arrhythmias, blood flow to some parts of the body may be interrupted and important areas such as the brain and lungs may be damaged. Awareness is recommended as these arrhythmias require early intervention.
Different rhythms of the heart are called arrhythmias. The only rhythm that is not seen as a heart rhythm disorder is sinus rhythm. In this rhythm, an electrical impulse may emerge from the sinoatrial node in the upper region of the heart and slowly move downward to the atrioventricular node, which is present in the ventricles and atria. The nerve impulse then travels to the sensory part, which splits into left and right parts and stimulates the heart muscle to pump the blood. A problem in a certain area of this conduction system results in a heart rhythm disorder. There are many different rhythm disorders.
What are the Symptoms of Heart Arrhythmia?
Even ifthe symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia do not seem to cause harm in general, attention should be paid to the fact that in some cases they may be caused by arrhythmias that require early intervention. There are various symptoms that develop due to arrhythmias;
- Rapid heartbeat like racing
- Intense slowing of pulses
- irregular heartbeat or a feeling of pauses
Along with these symptoms, some other important symptoms can also be experienced during a heart arrhythmia;
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Intense palpitations
- Anxiety
- Sweating
What Causes Heart Arrhythmia?
Individuals with pre-existing heart disease are at risk of developing a heart arrhythmia. These conditions can cause a problem with how the heart works. Cardiac pathologies such as coronary artery disease, heart attack or heart failure and congenital heart conditions are recognized as risk factors for the development of arrhythmia.
Apart from these conditions, age, gender and various lifestyle factors can also contribute to the development of this arrhythmia. Arrhythmias with a significant course can generally occur in people over the age of 60. Medications used for various cardiovascular problems in older people can also cause the heart rhythm to be affected. Some types of arrhythmia are more likely to occur in different genders. For example, atrial fibrillation is more likely to develop in men than in women.
Diet is another factor that affects heart rhythm. Consumption of alcohol or beverages containing stimulants such as caffeine can change the working state of the heart. Generally, individuals who use tobacco are predisposed to developing arrhythmia.
Apart from these reasons, various health problems can also trigger the development of heart rhythm disorder;
Diabetes
Chronic lung diseases
Clotting in the lung area
Asthma
Sleep apnea
Thyroid gland diseases
High blood pressure
How is a Heart Arrhythmia Diagnosed?
The true frequency of arrhythmias is unknown as some rhythm disorders do not cause any symptoms. In people with suspected arrhythmia, specialists first look at the patient's medical history and then resort to physical examination methods. Experts may then perform various laboratory analyses to investigate the presence of conditions that may result in arrhythmia.
Thediagnosis of arrhythmia is made by ECG, which allows the heart function to be evaluated by means of electrodes placed on the chest. This test, called an electrocardiogram, measures the electrical current and timing of the heartbeat. When individuals experience symptoms of arrhythmia, they can activate these devices with a button and record the process that creates this time period.
How is Heart Arrhythmia Treated?
Heart arrhythmia , which continues with important symptoms, is an important health problem that needs to be treated. A pacemaker, called a pacemaker, is used to correct the slowing heartbeat. These devices, which are placed under the collarbone, keep the heartbeat at a normal level by means of thin wires.
Rhythm disturbances associated with sudden heartbeats can be treated with vagal maneuvers, medication or cardioversion. Vagal maneuvers, such as pushing or splashing cold water on the face, may be sufficient to stop some arrhythmias. For arrhythmias associated with rapid beats, specialists may prescribe antiarrhythmic medication. In addition to antiarrhythmic drugs, blood thinners may be used to prevent clots, especially in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Cardioversion is a form of arrhythmia therapy used to treat various types of arrhythmias. In cardioversion, the paddles or pads of the device are placed in the center of the individual's heart and an electric current can be applied in synchronization with the heartbeat. The aim is to restore the electrical function of the heart with this current and return the rhythm back to normal.
Heart arrhythmia is a persistent and important health problem. If you feel the symptoms of this disease in your body, you should go to hospitals and get support from specialists.