What is Arrythmia?


An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. It means that your heartbeats too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular pattern.

Types of Arrythmia

  1. Slow heartbeat: bradycardia
  2. Fast heartbeat: tachycardia
  3. Irregular heartbeat: flutter or artrial fibrillation
  4. Early heartbeat: premature contraction

Arrhythmias occur when the electrical signals to the heart that coordinate heartbeats are not working properly. For instance, some people experience irregular heartbeats, which may feel like a racing heart or fluttering. Many heart arrhythmias are harmless; however, if they are particularly abnormal, or result from a weak or damaged heart, arrhythmias can cause serious and even potentially fatal symptoms.

Fast facts on arrhythmias:

  1. Some arrhythmias have no associated symptoms.
  2. Symptoms of arrhythmia often include dizziness, breathlessness, and palpitations.
  3. The causes of arrhythmia are varied and include diabetes, mental stress, and smoking.
  4. A slow heartbeat is not always a sign of illness.

Credits: www.mayoclinic.org