Question 1

what is an arrhythmia?

Accepted Answer

Irregular heart beat.: An arrhythmia is an irregularity of heart rhythm. There are many forms of arrhythmias, some arising from the upper chambers of the heart (atria) and some from the lower chambers (ventricles). In general, most of the atrial arrhythmias are benign and most of the ventricular arrhythmias are problematic. Your cardiologist usually treats the arrhythmias or may refer you to an electrophysiologist.

Question 2

is an arrhythmia dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Life threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation can be dangerous. In general arrhythmias are not be neglected.

Question 3

what causes atrial arrhythmias?

Accepted Answer

Many causes: First off, need an ultrasound (echo) of your heart, because structural abnormalites of the heart are the first big cause that needs to be eliminated. If your heart is structurally normal, then the other big cause for atrial arrhythmias is diet and drugs -- especially any caffeine or diet pills. Finally, sometimes it is just idiopathic -- which means we cannot find a cause.

Question 4

what are the tests for arrhythmia?

Accepted Answer

Arrhythmia Tests: Testing for an arrhythmia can include electrocardiography (ECG/EKG), 24 hour or 48 hour Holter Monitor, 2 week Zio event monitor, or 4 week event monitor.  Other potential tests for longer term monitoring can include a monitor that implants under the skin. There is also invasive testing for arrhythmias by a Cardiac Electrophysiologist called an Electrophysiology Study.

Question 5

what are the symptoms of arrhythmia?

Accepted Answer

Multiple: Most common is the sensation of an irregular heart beat, called palpitations.  Other symptoms may include dizziness, near or complete syncope, shortness of breath, or in worst case, cardiac arrest/sudden cardiac death.

Question 6

how soon do heart arrhythmias start?

Accepted Answer

Anytime: most major arrythmias start in 3-4 decade of life, but those with congenital heart issues may have arrythmias sooner

Question 7

what do you recommend for arrhythmia?

Accepted Answer

See a doctor: You need to see a cardiologist to investigate the type of the arrhythmia, find the cause and get treated if necessary.

Question 8

why do anterior mis cause arrhythmias?

Accepted Answer

Anterior mi's: All MIs are associated with arrhythmias. This happens because of the changes in conductivity of cardiac muscle from the dead and ischemic muscles. This is conducive to the formation of many kinds of arrhythmias.

Question 9

how can i know if i have an arrhythmia?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring: The best way to identify a rhythm problem is to have it documented by a rhythm monitor,

Monitoring can be as short as the time it takes to have an EKG done (10 seconds) or as long as 3 years with an implanted monitor (for infrequent arrhythmias).

Commonly, doctors prescribe cardiac monitors that patients wear for up to 30 days.

It always helps to have an EKG done while having symptoms.

Question 10

what are the complications of arrhythmia?

Accepted Answer

Arrhythmia: A heart arrhythmia can be due to a variety of causes. Some are very benign (not dangerous) but some can be life threatening.
Complications or symptoms of an arrhythmia can include sensations of fast or abnormal heart rate or heart pounding, lightheadedness, almost passing out, passing out, shortness of breath, chest pain, stroke, cardiac arrest, and death.

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Arrhythmia

A member asked:

What is an arrhythmia?

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Is an arrhythmia dangerous?

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What causes atrial arrhythmias?

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What are the tests for arrhythmia?

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What are the symptoms of arrhythmia?

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How soon do heart arrhythmias start?

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What do you recommend for arrhythmia?

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Why do anterior mis cause arrhythmias?

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How can i know if i have an arrhythmia?

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What are the complications of arrhythmia?

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