Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders): Arrhythmias or heart rhythm disorders are conditions that causes changes in the normal heartbeat. There are numerous types of arrhythmias, for example, supraventricular tachycardia, sinus sick syndrome, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and ventricular fibrillation. Signs and symptoms of an arrhythmia may include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Racing heart sensation
Treatment for arrhythmias depend upon the cause.
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Anxiety
Anxiety as a medical condition is characterized by worry, fear, nervousness, shortness of breath, sleep problems and other symptoms. Diarrhea, tremors, and rapid heart rate are some physical symptoms of severe anxiety, which may arise from a mental or physical condition, drug use, or some combination of these causes. Treatment can include medication and psychotherapy. -
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) describes a rapid, irregular heart rhythm. The irregular rhythm, or arrhythmia, results from abnormal electrical impulses in the heart. Atrial fibrillation may be treated with medications or surgery. There are many causes of atrial fibrillation, for example, pneumonia, heart disease, alcohol use, and thyroid problems. Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include chest pain and/or angina, nausea, dizziness, and heart palpitations. Atrial fibrillation is managed and treated with medication, medical procedures, and surgery. -
Atrial Flutter
Atrial flutter is a type of arrhythmia, that is, an irregularity in the beating of the heart. Symptoms of atrial flutter include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, anxiety, weakness, and a fluttering feeling in the chest. Causes of atrial flutter include heart disease, hypertension, heart muscle disease, heart abnormalities, substances, and diseases that affect other areas of the body. Treatment of atrial flutter includes defibrillation and medication. -
Automated External Defibrillators (AED)
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are used when a person has had a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest. It is a machine that instructs the user through the steps to defibrillate the victim. As more and more AEDs are placed in public places, more lives are saved from sudden cardiac arrest. -
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure, or CHF, is a condition in which a person's heart is failing and it can't pump enough blood and oxygen to the body's tissues. Sometimes people with CHF don't know they have it. Early signs and symptoms symptoms are cough, shortness of breath, and having problems breathing; especially when lying down. And, if you have breathing problems like asthma, COPD, or emphysema and you think your condition is worsening. There are four stages of CHF. There's no cure for CHF, but treatments include drug therapy, diet, and lifestyle changes to relive symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Life expectancy depends on existing medical problems, age, and overall health. -
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) is a tool used to assist in diagnosing heart diseases and conditions, for example, atrial and ventricular fibrillation, heart attacks, and heart failure. -
Fainting
Fainting or syncope, is a temporary loss of consciousness. Causes of fainting include vasovagal, situational, postural, cardiac, neurologic, and psychogenic. Treatment of fainting depends on the cause. -
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) usually causes death if it is not treated within minutes. Some of the causes of sudden cardiac death include ventricular fibrillation, medication or drug abuse/overdose, heart attack, physical stress, inherited disorders, and changes in the structure of the heart. Automatic external defibrillator (AED), if available is the best immediate treatment for sudden cardiac arrest. -
Supraventricular Tachycardia
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT, PSVT) is one type of heart rhythm disorder. There are several types of heart diseases included in the PSVT category, for example atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, sinus tachycardia, and atrial tachycardia. Symptoms may include dizziness, shortness of breath, palpitations (rapid heartbeat), chest pain, and chest tightness. Treatment may include vagal maneuvers, medications, and surgery. -
Palpitations
Heart palpitations are an abnormality of the normal heart beat and rhythm, and are a symptom of another disease or problem. Causes of heart palpitations include heart disease or other heart problems (mitral valve prolapse, atrial fibrillation), during pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, postmenopause, anxiety, emotional stress, stimulants (caffeine, alcohol, drugs), and some over-the-counter and prescription medications. Other symptoms that may accompany heart palpitations include nausea, vomiting, sweating, shortness of breath, and angina (heart pain). Some types of heart palpitations can be fatal, for example, ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. -
Stroke
Stroke is a medical emergency. When a person has a stroke, part of the blood supply to the brain is cut off or greatly decreased. There are two main types of stroke, ischemic and hemorrhagic. Stroke symptoms include dizziness, sudden headache, weakness in an arm or leg on the same side, weakness in the muscles of the face, difficulty speaking, vision problems, and more. Treatment of stroke depends on the type and severity of the stroke suffered.
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Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders) Topic Guide - Visuals
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Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders) Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
DronedaroneDronedarone is a heart rhythm medicine that helps maintain normal heartbeats in certain people with life-threatening rhythm disorders of the atrium (the uppe...learn more »
IbutilideIbutilide is an anti-arrhythmic heart medication that corrects certain conditions of irregular heart rhythm...learn more »
SotalolSotalol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation within the atrium and ventricles (the upper and lower chambers of the heart that allow blood...learn more »
PropafenonePropafenone is a Class IC anti-arrhythmic that affects the way your heart beats...learn more »
FlecainideFlecainide is a Class IC anti-arrhythmic that is used in certain situations to prevent serious heart rhythm disorders...learn more »
EsmololEsmolol is a beta-blocker that is used to help keep the heart beating normally in people with certain heart rhythm disorders of the atrium (the upper chamber...learn more »
Digoxin (oral)Digoxin is derived from the leaves of a digitalis plant and is used to treat heart failure.
learn more »
AtropineAtropine produces many effects in the body such as reducing muscle spasms and fluid secretions...learn more »
MetoprololMetoprolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins)...learn more »
Verapamil (oral)Verapamil is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm disorders...learn more »
DiltiazemDiltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or angina (chest pain)...learn more »
PropranololPropranolol is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins)...learn more »
QuinidineQuinidine is used to help keep the heart beating normally in people with certain heart rhythm disorders, usually after other treatments have failed. Quin...
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