Cardiac arrhythmias are characterized by an abnormal series of heartbeats, classified as bradycardia (too slow), tachycardia (too fast), or irregular (erratic). During bradycardia, fainting may occur because the brain does not get enough oxygen. In some forms of tachycardia, such as fibrillation, the rhythm is lost entirely, dissolving into quivering of the heart muscle. Arrhythmias are usually caused by damage to the heart muscle or the sinus node, the heart’s natural pacemaker. Such damage may be due to a heart attack, congenital defect, damaged heart valve, or a heart infection such as bacterial endocarditis .
Diagnostic Studies And Procedures
Diagnosis begins with an electrocardiogram, or ECG, to measure the heart’s electrical activity with electrodes placed on the patient’s chest, preferably during a period of arrhythmia. If the problem is episodic, a portable ECG machine, called a Holter monitor, may be worn for 24 to 48 hours. When computers are used to enhance the ECG, a process called signal averaging, it becomes possible to predict, in some cases, whether or not the patient is likely to experience ventricular arrhythmias. Transesophageal echocar diography, which produces ultrasound images of the heart through a tube inserted into the esophagus, makes it possible to evaluate the atria, the heart’s two upper chambers, and look for potential causes of arrhythmias arising from this area of the heart. A new diagnostic approach, called electrophysiology testing, is used in special circumstances, such as for patients who have experienced sudden, unexplained cardiac arrest. Electrodes are guided into the heart through a catheter, then drugs are administered to provoke an arrhythmia.
Medical Treatments
Most arrhythnlias can be controlled with beta blockers and other drugs that stabilize heart rate. Some cases, however, require implantation of an artificial pacemaker, a tiny, battery operated device placed under the skin with electrodes attached to the heart. Fibrillation and certain other serious arrhythmias are usually treated by the administration of an electrical shock (defibrillation) to the heart in order to reestablish a normal heart rhythm.
Alternative Therapies
Any alternative therapies that help to prevent heart disease can also prevent cardiac arrhythmias.
Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbalists recommend several herbal combinations: bupleurum, cinnamon, and ginger or bupleurum and dragon bone formulas for the treatment of palpitations pinellia and magnolia for tachycardia, and the atratylodes and hoelen herbal combination for treating bradycardia.
Shiatsu
Pressing upon certain points along the inner forearm is said to help slow down palpitations that are precipitated by anxiety.
Yoga and Meditation
The breathing exercises of these relaxation therapies help some people control palpitations related to stress.
Self Treatment
All cardiac arrhythmias that are persistent or serious require medical treatment. During an attack of tachycardia, however, it is sometimes possible to slow the heart rate by rubbing your neck or bearing down as though you’re having a bowel movement. Dizziness due to bradycardia can be temporarily overcome by resting with the head lower than the heart. On a long term basis, the best approach is to reduce stress, abstain from using alcohol and tobacco, and limit daily caffeine intake.
Other Causes of Arrhythmias
Certain drugs, including allergy medications and diet pills, can cause irregular heartbeats. In some people, exercise can trigger arrhythmias.