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What Is Cardiac Dysrhythmia?

Any change from the normal rhythm or rate of the heart is called a cardiac dysrhythmia, or arrhythmia. This may occur because of an abnormality in the electrical system of the heart. Some dysrhythmias are harmless and occur in healthy heart. Some are common; for example, 2.2 million Americans have a dysrhythmia called atrial fibrillation. Others have more serious connotations, such as being precursors to stroke or sudden cardiac arrest.

  1. Electrical System of the Heart

    • The heart has an electrical system that stimulates the heart muscle, or myocardium, and causes it to contract. This system is the heart's natural pacemaker and keeps the heart pumping by following a strict pathway. Any abnormalities in the route can cause an irregular heartbeat.

    Bradycardia

    • One type of dysrhythmia is bradycardia. This is when the heart beats too slowly. Usually, this is considered to be a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute in an adult. Bradycardia can limit the amount of blood flow to the body and brain, resulting in dizziness, fatigue or fainting. This condition can occur due to a defect in the electrical system of the heart, damage from heart disease, or an underlying condition such as hypothermia.

    Tachycardia

    • Another type of dysrhythmia is tachycardia, when the heart beats too quickly. A rate of more than 100 beats per minute in an adult is classified as tachycardia. A racing heart and palpitations are symptoms of this condition, as are dizziness and lightheadedness. Tachycardia is usually caused by an abnormality in the heart's electrical conduction system.

    Fibrillation

    • Fibrillation is a condition in which the heart just quivers. It does not forcefully pump blood through the body. If this occurs in the atria, or upper chambers, of the heart, the condition is controllable. Atrial fibrillation must be watched and managed to avoid a heart attack or stroke. If fibrillation occurs in the ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart, the condition is life-threatening. A person in ventricular fibrillation needs immediate emergency medical attention.

    Premature Contractions

    • Sometimes, the heart beats an extra time, sooner than usual. This is a premature contraction. This is what occurs when your heart seems to skip a beat. Most people have these at some time. They are very common in teenagers and small children.

    Treatment

    • Dysrhythmias are treated in many ways. Sometimes changes to lifestyle may be recommended. Medicines are given to some patients to control the dysrhythmia and to prevent blood clots that may be caused by some types of dysrhythmias. A pacemaker may be implanted to help regulate the heartbeat. In serious cases, defibrillation may be needed to shock the heart back into rhythm.

    Remember

    • Each person is different. One person's heart might beat slower or faster than another's and yet both may be perfectly healthy. Seek medical attention if you notice a difference in your heart rate or if you are suffering from chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness or fatigue.

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