What is an Arrhythmia?
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rate or rhythm.
It can be normal to severe and should be evaluated
by a cardiac electrical specialist (electrophysiologist)
who studies the electrical rhythms and the physiology
of the heart.
Not all arrhythmias are life threatening.
However, if they cause a severe decrease in the
pumping function of the heart, blood circulation
will essentially stop and organ damage may occur
within a few minutes. In addition to the potentially
life threatening nature of some arrhythmias,
some arrhythmias are have major impacts on an
individual’s quality of life.
Below is a list of different types of arrhythmias.
- Tachyardia - a fast heart rhythm
that is greater than 100 beats per minute
- Bradycardia - a slow heart rhythm
that is less than 60 beats per minute
- Premature atrial or ventricular beats -
extra, early contractions that cause an irregular
rhythm
- Atrial fibrillation - an irregular
rapid rhythm from the top of the heart (atria)
that causes an irregular and often rapid
heart rate. It is a natural part of the aging
process and affects approximately 20% of the
population at some point in their lifetime.
If the arrhythmia recurs frequently or persists,
it will require treatment.
Reviewed by: David Hartman,
MSN, CRNP
Last updated: November 2005
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