ARRHYTHMIA
Various types of arrhythmias exist depending on what part of the heart
is affected and how they originate. The causes of arrhythmia also vary
but can generally be divided into two categories: malfunctions in the
electrical impulses that cause the heart muscle to beat; or physical
problems with the heart, such as atherosclerosis, damage from a heart
attack, or congenital heart defects. Lifestyle may also play a role in
the development of arrhythmia.
Untreated arrhythmia is a serious medical condition. If left untreated, they can be the cause of serious heart problems and even lead to death. Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing more serious health problems.
Symptoms of arrhythmia vary depending on the cause of the problem and
what part of the heart is affected. Common symptoms include
palpitations (what some may refer to as a "galloping" heartbeat), the
sensation of skipped heartbeats, dizziness, fainting, unusual fatigue,
shortness of breath and angina, or chest pain or pressure. Please be
aware, however, that a person may have an arrhythmia and show no
symptoms at all.
A diagnosis of arrhythmia
Typically, confirming a diagnosis of arrhythmia is not a complicated or
painful procedure. Electrocardiograms (ECGs), Holter Monitors, or
"event monitors" that are worn for longer periods, can tell your doctor
a great deal about the condition of your heart as well as the type of
arrhythmia you might have. Before any type of intervention is considered, however, more detailed tests often involving the use of a cardiac catheter are common.
An occasionally skipped beat or rapidly beating heart is something that
happens to nearly everyone at some time in their lives and is not medically significant. However, if this condition occurs frequently, chronically or with increasing regularity, it may be a cause for concern. In such cases, be sure to consult with your doctor. After the doctor diagnoses your arrhythmia, he or she will use various non-invasive tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) to further pinpoint the location of the problem. Before the actual ablation, the physician will also make a precise recording of the electrical impulses and their distribution in your heart to conclusively identify the problem. Then he or she will confirm the tissue to be ablated as well as confirm normal conduction of existing pathways.
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