Arrhythmia Meaning: Spotting and Treating the Early Warning Signs

In a healthy heart, the heartbeat is controlled by electrical signals that help pump blood throughout the body. If these electrical impulses are disrupted, the heartbeat can become too fast, too slow, or irregular, a condition called arrhythmia or cardiac arrhythmia.

Read more to learn more about arrhythmia meaning, its types, causes, and ways to manage it.

Arrhythmia Meaning

Put simply, arrhythmia meaning refers to any abnormality in the rhythm of your heartbeat.

Normally, the resting heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute, but when it falls out of this range, it is termed an arrhythmia. As a result, the heart may not be able to pump enough oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, affecting overall organ health and making arrhythmia a cause for concern.

Types of Arrhythmia

As per NIH, the commonly classified arrhythmia types based on the resting heart rate are:

1. Tachycardia: Heart beats too fast (above 100 bpm). You may have irregular, or regular heart rates.
2. Bradycardia: Heartbeat is too slow (below 60 bpm)
3. Premature Heartbeat or Extra Heartbeat: In this, the signal for the heartbeat comes too quickly, creating a pause and resulting in a stronger beat when returning to the natural beating rhythm. Extra, early beats that disrupt normal rhythm.

Depending on which part of the heart is causing these fluctuations, the arrhythmia is divided into categories, briefly described below:

1. Supraventricular arrhythmias: These start above ventricles in the atria or the gateway to the heart’s lower chambers. 
2. Ventricular arrhythmias: These begin in your heart’s ventricles or lower chambers.

What Is Sinus Arrhythmia?

It is important to note that arrhythmia is not always a health concern. Our heartbeats change with each breath, which is a sign of a healthy, responsive heart. This is called sinus arrhythmia and is most commonly seen in children and young adults, as per NCBI.

For example, when you inhale, your heart rate increases slightly, and when you exhale, it slows down. These are the common sinus arrhythmia causes and are usually not a sign of disease. Hence, no treatment is required for sinus arrhythmia.

Now that the arrhythmia meaning is clear, let’s understand what factors can cause it, in the next section.

Causes of Arrhythmia

There are many arrhythmia causes depending on the underlying health factors. However, the major triggers include the following health conditions:

• Coronary artery disease or a past heart attack
• Electrolyte imbalance (low potassium)
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Stress, anxiety, and panic attacks
• Excess use of caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine
• Birth-related heart defects
• Ageing and damaged heart muscle
• Certain medications

Symptoms of Arrhythmia

Early arrhythmia symptoms may not be noticeable initially, but here are the common signs to keep an eye on:

• Palpitations (fluttering or racing heart)
• Slow or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Fainting or near-fainting spells

If the symptoms are severe or lead to chest pain or fainting, urgent medical care is required. Without treatment, arrhythmias can lead to complications such as:

• Weakening of your heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
• Cardiac arrest
• Stroke

Arrhythmia Treatment

Treatment options such as medication, lifestyle modification, surgery, etc., may be prescribed based on the severity and type of arrhythmia. Take a look:

• Medications: Certain medications, such as anticoagulants and specialised antiarrhythmic drugs, can help restore the heart rate or rhythm to normal.
• Lifestyle modifications: Managing blood pressure, avoiding caffeine, excessive alcohol, and smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and regulating stress can help you live with heart rate fluctuations.
• Electrolyte correction: Taking enough electrolytes or supplements
• Cardiac procedures: These include procedures such as:
  • Electrical cardioversion to restore normal rhythm.
  • Catheter ablation to remove abnormal electrical pathways.
  • Pacemaker for improving or correcting slow arrhythmias.
  • Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to manage high-risk ventricular arrhythmias.

Read More: Atrial Fibrillation: Meaning, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Explained

To Sum Up 

Understanding arrhythmia meaning, types, causes, and symptoms is essential for maintaining heart health. While some arrhythmias like sinus arrhythmia are harmless others may need medical attention. Early detection, making lifestyle modifications, and taking proper treatment can help manage irregular heartbeats effectively. It is recommended to consult a doctor if you notice persistent or severe symptoms to ensure a healthy heart.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Arrhythmia