Heart Arrhythmia (Irregular Heart Rythm)
Description
An irregular heartbeat is called an arrhythmia (also called dysrhythmia). A normal heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute. Arrhythmias can occur with a normal heart rate, slow rates (bradycardia - less than 60 beats per minute), or rapid rates (tachycardia - faster than 100 beats per minute). This disorder occurs when the normal electrical impulses that control the rate and frequency of the heart beats are disrupted. The most common causes are heart attacks, blood chemistry abnormalities (i.e. high potassium), congestive heart failure, medication reactions, viral infections of the heart (myocarditis), weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), thickened heart muscle (hypertrophic cardiomypopathy), thyroid disease, congenital disorders, and drug abuse.
Symptoms
Palpitations, weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting.
Tests
A history and physical exam will performed. Additional tests include: cardiac monitoring, hospitalization, cardiology consult, and/or an echocardiogram.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Troponin
- UA
- X-Ray
- EKG
Treatment
Identifying the type and cause of the arrhythmia determines the therapy. Treatment may include: antiarrhythmic medications, correction of body chemistry abnormalities, cessation of certain medications, and/or placement of a pacemaker. For more information contact the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Health Information Center at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
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