Heart rhythm disorders
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What is a heart rhythm disorder?
The normal heart rhythm is controlled by electrical signals that start in the sinus node in the right upper chamber of the heart. These signals ensure that the upper and lower chambers contract in a coordinated way, allowing blood to be pumped efficiently through the body.
In a heart rhythm disorder, this proces is disrupted, causing changes in the hearth rhythm. There are several types of heart rhythm disorders:
- Tachycardia: the heart beats too fast (more than 100 beats per minute at rest)
- Bradycardia: the heart beats too slowly (fewer than 50 beats per minute)
- Extra heartbeats: the sensation that the heart skips a beat
- Irregular heart rhythm: such as atrial fibrillation, where the upper chambers beat irregularly and chaotically
Symptoms
The following symptoms may occur:
- Palpitations or a fluttering sensation in the chest
- An irregular or rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Pain or pressure in the chest
- Tiredness or weakness
- Anxiety, restlessness or a panicky feeling
Sometimes a heart rhythm disorder causes no noticeable symptoms and is discovered by chance during a routine check-up.
Examination
Several examinations can be carried out to diagnose a heart rhythm disorder:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiography
- Event recorder: a small device that records heart rhythms for one week when symptoms occur
- Electrophysiological examination (EFO)
- Exercise test (cycling test)
- Holter monitoring: a device that records the heart rhythm for 24, 48, or 72 hours.
How are heart rhythm disorders treated?
Treatment depends on the severity, type and cause of the heart rhythm disorder. In mild cases, lifestyle changes may help, such as avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol intake and reducing stress. In some situations, medication may be needed.
Surgery
If medication does not provide sufficient relief, surgery may be required.
You may undergo cardioversion, in which an electric shock is used to restore the normal heart rhythm. This is often used for heart rhythm disorders in the upper chambers of the heart.
Your doctor may also decide to implant a pacemakeer. This is a small device that stimulates the heart to beat at a normal rhythm and can be helpful in cases of bradycardia.
An implantable defibrillator can detect and treat life-threatening heart rhythm disorders by delivering an electrical shock.
Is follow-up needed?
Many heart rhtyhm disorders can be treated effectively but require regular follow-up. For certain conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, long-term monitoring is necessary to prevent complications such as having a stroke.