Patient LoginThere are several types of cardiac conditions when dealing with heart disease. Abnormal heart rhythms are a sign for concern, however your doctor can consult with you regarding the level of that concern and possible treatments. Any system disruptions or damage can change the pattern in which your heart beats, so it is important to know and understand these symptoms. Some common causes of abnormal heartbeats are heart attack, or damage from a previous heart attack, heart failure or an enlarged heart. Also, abnormal levels of potassium and an overactive thyroid gland can cause abnormal heartbeats. After testing, it has been found that some may have been born with congenital heart issues.
AFIB
Atrial Fibrillation is a very common type of arrhythmia. Atrial fibrillation is when some unstable electrical impulses misfire causing a disorganized rhythm in the upper chambers of the heart. You feel your heart flutter fast and irregular.
Arrhythmias
Following AFIB, there are several other types of Arrhythmias. Tachycardia is when your heart beats too fast, with over 100 beats per minute (BPM). When an electrical impulse travels rapidly, usually to the right atrium causing a flutter, this is known as Atrial Flutter (AF). A slow heart rate of less than 60 BPM is called Bradycardia.
A person’s normal heart rate is between 60-100 BPM. One of the more serious types of arrhythmias is when an abnormal rhythm stops the heart from beating, causing cardiac arrest which needs immediate treatment. There are several types of premature contractions that may be early signs of more serious heart issues. Any abnormal heartbeats should always be followed up with your doctor.
Pacemaker Implants
When your heart beats irregularly, a pacemaker can be implanted to assist your heart. When your heart beats too fast or too slow, the implant will send a signal to the heart making the beats normal again. These implants are small, battery operated, and they weigh less than an ounce. A simple procedure is needed to place the implant under the skin and attach lead wires to your heart. There are several types of pacemakers for the type of arrhythmia that is occurring.
Pacemaker Clinic (check ups)
Regular checkups are important after the pacemaker is implanted. These checkups will assure the implant is working properly and any testing needed for battery replacement will be conducted. Always keep the Pacemaker card on you at all times. The card carries important information regarding the details of the pacemaker and emergency information.
Heartbeats that may be too slow, too fast, or irregular, are signs of an abnormal heart rhythm. Whether symptoms are mild or severe, they all require medical attention. Some common symptoms that may occur are chest pains, fainting, light-headiness, dizziness, paleness, shortness of breath and sometimes sweating. Not all of these symptoms are life threatening, however they are serious. Heart monitoring will often identify the abnormal rhythmic beat. With diagnosis, testing, and treatments, any abnormal heart beats should return to their normal rhythm.
Information sourced from from http://www.healthline.com and www.ncbi.nlm.nih.go .