The arrhythmias Guide

Cardiac Arrhythmias - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

2007-12-11T04:48:00.000-08:00

Cardiac Arrhythmias - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and TreatmentBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Juliet_Cohen]Juliet Cohen
Cardiac arrhythmia is a group of conditions in which the electrical activity of the heart is irregular or is faster or slower than normal. Cardiac arrhythmias comprise any abnormality or pertubation in the normal activation sequence of the myocardium. Arrhythmias stem from several causes. The heart’s natural timekeeper—a small mass of special cells called the sinus node—can malfunction and develop an abnormal electrical impulse rate. CPR can prolong the survival of the brain in the lack of a normal pulse, but defibrillation is the intervention which is most likely to restore a more healthy heart rhythm. A slow rhythm, known as bradycardia (less than 60 beats/min), is usually not life threatening, but may cause symptoms. When it causes symptoms implantation of a permanent pacemaker may be needed. Either dysrhythmia requires medical attention to evaluate the risks associated with the arrhythmia. The signs and symptoms of cardiac arrhythmias can range from completely asymptomatic to loss of consciousness or sudden cardiac death.
Complaints such as lightheadedness, dizziness, quivering, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, heart fluttering or pounding, and forceful or painful extra beats are commonly reported with a variety of arrhythmias. Beats are generated by electrical impulses in the atria (top chambers of the heart) and are then conducted to the ventricles, where they produce the powerful muscle contraction that pumps blood. People may have allergies or idiosyncratic reactions to many other foods and beverages that cause transitory arrhythmias. Long-term nicotine exposure and any cocaine exposure can cause much more serious arrhythmias. Oxidative stress is a common feature of ischemic-reperfusion injuries, which occur when the heart is temporarily deprived of oxygenated blood (a state known as ischemia), followed by the reintroduction of oxygenated blood (reperfusion). The development of arrhythmias include congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure (hypertension).
Advances in medicine and technology have created new treatment options for cardiac arrhythmia (commonly known as heart rhythm disturbances). Cardioversion is the application of electrical current across the chest wall to the heart and it is used for treatment of supraventricular or pulsed ventricular tachycardia. Defibrillation differs in that it is used for ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and more electricity is delivered with defibrillation than with cardioversion. Arrhythmias may involve medications (anti-arrhythmic therapy), catheter ablations, and implantation of pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) or CRT-D (CRT with defibrillator therapy) is an innovative therapeutic option for patients with refractory HF. Defibrillation differs in that it is used for ventricular fibrillation and more electricity is delivered with defibrillation than with cardioversion. Antiarrhythmic medications help to change the electrical signals within the heart to suppress or prevent the arrhythmia.
Treatment for Cardiac Arrhythmias Tips
1. Using a small, battery-powered generator to deliver timed, electrical impulses to the heart muscle through tiny wire leads.
2. The treatment for some patients is a technique called cardiac ablation.
3. Magnetic Guidance in the Heart While transcatheter ablation is very effective, it can be difficult.
4. Stereotaxis Niobe Magnetic Navigation System uses two superconductive magnets, a magnetic-tipped guide wire and advanced computer imaging techniques.
5. Atrial fibrillation can also be treated through a procedure, e.g. pulmonary vein isolation.
6. Fibrillation differs in that it is used for ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for [http://www.online-medical-clinic.com/]online medical clinic and [http://www.atozdiseases.org/]diseases treatment. She also writes articles on [http://www.healthfitnesstips.org/]health and fitness.

Abnormal Beating of the Heart: Cardiac Arrhythmias

2007-12-11T04:41:00.000-08:00

Abnormal Beating of the Heart: Cardiac ArrhythmiasBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lindsay_Fox]Lindsay Fox
Heart has a rhythmic capability to beat and pump blood to our body and remarkably, does so without fail, throughout our life. The rhythm has been destined to beat in certain prefixed numerical limits and with certain regularity. Arrhythmias are disorders characterized by abnormal beating of the heart. Arrhythmias can occur in a healthy heart and be of minimal consequence. At the same time they may co-exist with diseased heart and may be life-threatening or may cause, stroke, heart failure or sudden death.
An arrhythmia occurs when the normal electrical cycle of the heart is disturbed. Normally, tiny currents activate the upper part of the heart, just before the bottom part of the heart, which are the muscular chambers that pump blood around the body. Fast arrhythmias are referred to as ‘tachyarrhythmias’. When the heart goes too slowly due to a failure of electrical activation, it is referred to as a brady arrhythmia. Most arrhythmias arising from the top of the heart are troublesome but not life-threatening. Many arrhythmias arising from the lower of the heart, are life-threatening.
Causes of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Some cardiac arrhythmias result from congenital heart defects that run in families. Others arise from a variety of diseases that develop in individuals over a period of years. Others still result from sudden events such as heart attack. They may also be the result of excessive alcohol, smoking or certain drugs. Rarely despite extensive investigations no cause is found of their occurrence. Cardiac arrhythmias may be symptomatic or may cause a variety of warning symptoms such as palpitations or rapid thumping in the chest, feeling tired or light-headed, getting unconscious, having shortness of breath or chest pain.
Types of Arrhythmias
Following are the different types of cardiac arrhythmias:
1. Atrial fibrillation: The heart beats too fast and irregularly. This type of arrhythmia requires treatment and can increase risk of stroke.
2. Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia: The heart has episodes when it beats fast, but regularly. This type of arrhythmia may be unpleasant but is usually not dangerous.
3. Ectopic beats: The heart has an extra beat. Treatment usually is not needed unless you have several extra beats in row and/or other problems with your heart - such as heart disease or congenital heart failure.
4. Ventricular tachycardia: The heart beats too fast and may not pump enough blood. These types of arrhythmias are very dangerous and need immediate treatment.
The Remedy
Treatment depends on the type of cardiac arrhythmia you have. Some mild arrhythmias require no treatment. Other arrhythmias can be treated with medicines. In more serious cases, other treatments are available:
1. Drugs.
2. A pacemaker: An electronic device placed under the skin on the chest. It helps the heart maintain a regular beat, especially when the heart beats too slowly.
3. Implantable cardiac defibrillation: Can be used to stop an abnormal rhythm and restore a normal one.
4. Surgery: Can correct certain types of arrhythmias. For example, arrhythmias caused by coronary artery disease may be controlled by bypass surgery. When an cardiac arrhythmia is causes by a certain area of the heart, sometimes that part of the heart can be destroyed or removed.
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Arrhythmias Causes Symptoms Information with Treatment

2007-12-11T04:36:00.000-08:00

Arrhythmias Causes Symptoms Information with TreatmentBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Juliet_Cohen]Juliet Cohen
An arrhythmia is a change in the rhythm of your heartbeat. Most people have experienced these occasional, brief irregular heartbeats that feel like a skipped, fluttering or racing heartbeat. Cardiac dysrhythmia is technically more correct, as arrhythmia would imply that there is "no rhythm," but this term is not used frequently.
An arrhythmia can also mean that your heart beats irregularly (skips a beat or has an extra beat) However, some heart arrhythmias may cause bothersome sometimes even life-threatening signs and symptoms. These occasional changes can be brought on by strong emotions or exercise. They usually are not a cause for alarm. Arrhythmias that occur more often or cause symptoms (see the box below) may be more serious and need to be discussed with your doctor.
Causes of Arrhythmias
The common Causes of Arrhythmias :
It can be caused by heart disease or high blood pressure .
Stress, caffeine, smoking, alcohol, pregnancy, and some medications can also cause an arrhythmia.
The arrhythmia may be caused by a congenital heart defect (a heart problem from birth).
Symptoms of Arrhythmias
Some Symptoms of Arrhythmias :
Shortness of breath
Sweating
Heart murmur
Chest pain
Fainting Skipping beats
Skipping beats - changes in the pattern of the pulse
Paleness
Light-headedness , dizziness
Difficulty exercising
Cardiac arrest
Slow heartbeat
Treatment of Arrhythmias
An artificial pacemaker is an electronic device placed under the skin on the chest. It helps the heart maintain a regular beat, especially when the heart beats too slowly.
Cardiac defibrillation (very brief electric shock) can be used to stop an abnormal rhythm and restore a normal one.
Surgery can correct certain types of arrhythmias. For example, arrhythmias caused by coronary artery disease may be controlled by bypass surgery. When an arrhythmia is caused by a certain area of the heart, sometimes that part of the heart can be destroyed or removed.
Juliet Cohen writes [http://www.health-care-articles.info/]health articles for [http://www.health-doctor.org/]diseases and disorders. She also writes articles on [http://www.women-health-guide.com/women-beauty/index.htm]women beauty tips.