Symptoms to alert you if likely arrhythmiasThe main and most important function of the heart is supplying the body with nutrients and blood. As the heart beats and contracts regularly, blood is moved throughout the body. Electrical impulses that control each heartbeat travel through the heart. In a normal situation, the electrical impulses tend to occur regularly. However, when everything is not alright with the electrical system of the heart, the heart fails to beat regularly. Irregular beating of the heart results in arrhythmia or rhythm disorder. The heart beats for between 60 and 100 times per minute and this is what is called normal rhythm or normal sinus rhythm. But depending on the specific needs of the body, your heart might beat faster probably due to stress or beat slower like when sleeping.

Arrhythmias that are encountered more commonly

Heartbeats abnormalities are known are referred to as arrhythmias and these are of many types depending on exactly where they start i.e. the atria, the ventricles or the AV node. Abnormalities that do not begin at the ventricles are referred to as supraventricular arrhythmias. One of the most common types of arrhythmias is the premature atria contractions, referred to as APCs or PACs and refers to an extra beat of the heart that arises from atria just outside the SA node. People of all ages can experience this and it is less serious. The next one is supraventricular tachycardia that refers to regular but rapid heartbeats. The third type is atria fibrillation, which commonly occurs due to discharge of electrical impulses more rapidly thus causing irregular and fast heart beat. The last type is atrial flutter which results from the right atrium discharging abnormal electrical impulses at 300 heartbeats per minute.

What causes heart rhythm disorders?

Arrhythmias occur randomly and in an isolated manner among persons without any known heart disease. These are of no significance, but it is advisable that you consult your doctor. Arrhythmias are caused by various heart diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart valve problems, heart conduction disorders or even high blood pressure. However, just because you have arrhythmias doesn’t mean that you have a heart disease. There are many causes of arrhythmias and there are times when even these causes aren’t determined. Some conditions can worsen arrhythmias such as fever or infection, emotional or physical stress, diseases like thyroid disease or anemia while inherited arrhythmias are also common as well.

Common symptoms for arrhythmias

While there are times when one might not experience symptoms for arrhythmias, there are people who actually feel when it is happening. The most common symptoms are such as feeling ‘skipped beats’, palpitations, chest fluttering or thumping, heart racing sensation, a faint or tiresome feeling, passing out or light headedness, chest discomfort or pain and breath shortness. There are times when you might actually feel these sensations, but this doesn’t imply that you have arrhythmias as they could be the result of stress or anxiety.