Each year millions of people experience abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), which are common as we age. For most, a normal resting heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). For athletic individuals, a normal resting heart rate may be as low as 40 to 60 bpm. Abnormal heart rhythms can be described as a heart beating too fast (above 100 bpm) or slow (below 60 bpm), a fluttering sensation in the chest area or the skipping of a heart beat. When electrical impulses in the heart become too fast, too slow, or irregular they cause the heart to beat irregularly.
Abnormal heart rhythms may cause the heart to pump blood inefficiently causing poor blood circulation in the body. As a result, less oxygen reaches other parts of the body and can cause organ damage. In most cases, abnormal heart rhythms are harmless, however, some cases may cause uncomfortable symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, pounding in the chest, fainting, shortness of breath, weakness, or fatigue. If some types of abnormal heart rhythms are left untreated, they may even cause sudden cardiac death.
Main types of arrhythmia include:
Bradycardia – The heart beats too slow, below 60 bpm. For athletic individuals, a normal resting heart rate can be below 60 bpm, and not cause problems. Bradycardia is caused by a disruption of the electrical impulses conducted by the heart. Aging, hypothermia, damage from a heart attack or heart disease, and other factors can contribute to the disruption of impulses.
Tachycardia – The heart beats too fast, above 100 bpm. Tachycardia is caused by a disruption of the electrical impulses conducted by the heart. Damage from a heart attack or heart disease, congenital heart disease, high blood pressure, smoking and other factors can contribute the disruption of impulses.
Fibrillation – The heart quivers.
Premature Contraction – early heart beat.
Abnormal heart rhythms can cause a wide-range of symptoms. Symptoms may include:
We offer classes and support groups that focus on the how to care for your heart and vascular system.
Antiarrhythmic drugs can help correct an irregular or abnormal heartbeat. There are a wide variety of medications available for treatment. Our cardiologists have extensive experience in the use of drug therapy in the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms and can prescribe an appropriate medication. In many cases, abnormal heart rhythms cannot be cured with medication, but can be controlled. Your cardiologist and primary care physician play an important role in the regulation of this medication.
MemorialCare's experienced staff provides follow-up care for abnormal heart rhythms. Follow up care may include:
MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute specializes in minimally invasive heart procedures. With these innovative techniques, patients benefit from fewer complications, less scarring, greater comfort and faster recoveries. Distinguished as a leading heart and vascular institute.
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