Heart arrhythmia
Heart arrhythmia
Heart arrhythmia
is a group of conditions in which the heartbeat is either in irregular manner,
too fast, or too slow. A heart rate that is too fast almost above 100 beats per
minute in adults is termed as tachycardia and a heart rate that is too
slow below 60 beats per minute is termed as bradycardia. Many
types of arrhythmia conditions have no symptoms. When symptoms are present
these may include palpitations or feeling a pause between heartbeats. In more
serious cases there may be chest pain lightheadedness, passing out, or
shortness of breath. While most types of arrhythmia are not serious, some
predispose a person to complications such as stroke or heart failure. Others
may result in cardiac arrest.
There are four main types of arrhythmia known
· supraventricular tachycardias
Extra beats: which include premature atrial contractions, premature ventricular contractions, and premature junctional contractions.
Supraventricular tachycardias: which include atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
Ventricular arrhythmias: which include ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Arrhythmias are due to problems with the electrical conduction system of the heart. Arrhythmias may occur in children; however, the normal range for the heart rate is different and depends on age.