Everything You Need to Know About Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is a disturbance of the normal heart rhythm. Ideally, our heart beats rhythmically, at rest, at a frequency of 60 to 100 beats per minute. However, under the influence of various factors, this rhythm can be disturbed: the heart begins to beat too often, too rarely, or irregularly. This condition is called arrhythmia. Some types of cardiac arrhythmias go almost unnoticed and do not pose a serious threat, while others can be life-threatening and require urgent treatment.

What is arrhythmia?

The functioning of the heart depends on a complex electrical system. A special area in the right atrium, called the sinus node, initiates electrical signals that coordinate the contractions of the heart. If this system fails, there will be interruptions in the rhythm. Those affected often describe it as a feeling that the heartbeat is "skipping", "stopping", or, on the contrary, as a rapid and irregular heartbeat. Sometimes this is accompanied by dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, or chest pain. In some patients, arrhythmias can even lead to a brief loss of consciousness.

Causes of arrhythmia

There are many reasons why arrhythmias develop. The most common include various cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease, heart attack, or congenital defects. However, arrhythmias often occur in people whose hearts are generally healthy. For example, arrhythmia can occur due to severe stress, excessive coffee or alcohol consumption, after a sleepless night, or physical overexertion. For some, it occurs with a sudden temperature change or even after eating a large meal.

In addition, thyroid problems, electrolyte imbalances in the blood, and side effects of certain medications can affect the heart rhythm. Sometimes, the arrhythmia is temporary and disappears on its own. In other cases, it is a sign of deeper disorders in the body.

Of course, not every deviation from the normal rhythm is a reason to panic. For example, trained athletes often have a slow pulse at rest – a normal condition associated with high physical endurance. However, if unusual discomfort in the heart area is accompanied by fatigue, dizziness, or weakness, this is already a reason to consult a doctor.

Complications of untreated arrhythmia

Complications associated with arrhythmia can be extremely serious. Arrhythmia, especially when it occurs in the atria, can contribute to the formation of blood clots. This increases the risk of stroke. In other cases, arrhythmia can lead to impaired heart function, which in the long term can lead to the development of heart failure. The most dangerous condition is ventricular fibrillation, in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood, and sudden cardiac arrest may occur.

Diagnisis

The cardiologist prescribes an electrocardiogram to confirm the presence of an arrhythmia. This simple and easily accessible method helps detect rhythm disturbances. Daily monitoring—the so-called Holter study—may be necessary if the errors occur episodically and are not recorded on the ECG. Sometimes, additional ultrasound examinations of the heart or stress tests are performed to determine the cause of the cardiac arrhythmia and to assess the general condition of the cardiovascular system.

Treatment options

Arrhythmia treatment depends on the specific type of arrhythmia, its severity, and its causes. In mild cases, lifestyle changes are sufficient: quitting smoking, limiting coffee and alcohol consumption, reducing stress, and normalizing sleep patterns. Sometimes, drug treatment is necessary to restore normal rhythm or reduce heart rate. In severe and persistent cases, implantation of a pacemaker or ablation – removal of the lesion causing the cardiac arrhythmia – may be necessary.

Prevention tips

Like many other cardiovascular diseases, cardiac arrhythmias can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle. Even seemingly insignificant habits—a morning walk, a balanced diet, not overeating in the evening, and getting enough sleep—ultimately have a big impact on heart health.

Regular cardiological examinations are crucial for people over 40 years of age and for people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and lack of exercise.