Cardiac Arrhythmias

What is a Cardiac Arrhythmia?

A cardiac arrhythmia is an irregular heart rhythm.  There are different types of cardiac arrhythmias that range in severity.  Some can be harmless and others can be life-threatening.  This condition causes the heart to pump less effectively resulting in vital organs not getting a sufficient blood flow and oxygen supply. 

Common types of Arrhythmias:

Premature beats - Beats that occur from the atrium before the expected sinus beats.  Often described as "flip-flops" and tend to occur with stress and caffeine.

Atrial fibrillation - Also known as AF of A Fib.  This is the most common electrical disturbance that takes place in the upper chambers of the heart causing the heart to quiver rather than beat correctly.  This can sometimes cause blood clots to form which can lead to a stroke or heart attack.

Bradycardia - A slow heartbeat that can cause fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting spells.

Tachycardia - A rapid heartbeat that can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and flutters.  Usually more than 100 beats per minute causing the heart to not efficiently pump blood throughout the body.

Ventricular arrhythmias - An abnormal heart rhythm that take place in the lower chambers of the heart called the ventricles.  This includes ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation which are both life threatening arrhythmias.