Breaking Down the 6 Most Common Arrhythmias

If you’re like most people, you probably pay little attention to the constant thrum of your heartbeat. After all, the sensation of your beating heart has been with you throughout your life. As this incredible organ dutifully pumps away daily, your body benefits from the oxygenated blood and micronutrients that move through your circulatory system. 

Usually, your heart beats at a steady pace. However, the rate of heartbeats changes throughout the day, speeding up when you exert yourself and slowing in times of rest. When you have arrhythmia, your heart beats abnormally fast, slow, or irregularly. 

At Heart Care, Shahnaz Begum, MD, FACC, offers outstanding diagnostic and treatment services for all types of arrhythmia.

How dangerous is arrhythmia?

First, it’s important to note that not everyone who has arrhythmia is aware of the condition. You might not notice anything different about your heartbeat and only discover the condition during a health exam. For some, an irregular heartbeat is noticeable and can bring on significant stress. 

Not all arrhythmias are dangerous, nor do all types require treatment. It’s critical, however, to have an irregular heartbeat assessed by a heart health specialist like Dr. Begum. Understanding the type and severity of your arrhythmia is the first step in determining if you need treatment. 

Common types of arrhythmia

Here’s a quick overview of the more common types of arrhythmia.

1. Atrial fibrillation

This is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. It happens when your heart’s upper and lower chambers don’t work together correctly, allowing blood to pool in the upper chambers. This pooled blood can begin to clot, which in turn can lead to stroke. Atrial fibrillation doesn’t always create clear symptoms. 

2. Bradycardia

Bradycardia is an abnormally slow heartbeat. It often develops from problems with the heart’s electrical system. People with bradycardia might notice persistent dizziness, fatigue, and fainting because the heart isn’t moving enough blood through the body. 

3. Tachycardia

People with tachycardia have an abnormally fast heartbeat, even in the absence of exertion or stress. Different types of tachycardia are categorized by which area of the heart they originate. Some forms of tachycardia can lead to more severe arrhythmias. 

4. Premature atrial contraction

This condition is often referred to as an “extra” heartbeat. It originates in one of the heart's upper ventricles or chambers. They’re generally not harmful, and you might not even notice this type of irregular heartbeat, but you could experience heart palpitations or a fluttering sensation. 

5. Premature ventricle contraction

This form of arrhythmia happens when your heart’s ventricles contract a bit faster than the steady rhythm of your normal heartbeat. These changes can come on suddenly, often in response to certain medications or caffeine. Premature ventricle contraction isn’t usually dangerous unless you have a history of heart disease or other cardiovascular problems. 

6. Ventricle fibrillation

This condition occurs when your heart's lower chambers (ventricles) don’t receive the electrical signals to beat normally. The chambers quiver instead of contracting, preventing blood from flowing through the arteries. This is the most severe form of arrhythmia and requires immediate treatment. 

These are just some of the arrhythmias that you might experience. There are many different types of irregular heartbeats. 

Are there treatments for arrhythmia?

There are many ways to treat arrhythmia. The first step is a thorough diagnostic exam to determine the type of arrhythmia you’re experiencing and explore potential causes. 

Medication can regulate your heartbeat. Many people benefit from lifestyle modifications, such as improving nutrition, getting more exercise, and improving sleep quality. 

Dr. Begum offers a wide range of procedures to treat arrhythmia. Some help regulate the electrical signals within your heart, and some involve an implantable device that keeps your heartbeat steady.

If you’d like more information or are concerned about an irregular heartbeat, call Heart Care in Frisco, Texas, to schedule a visit. You can book online or over the phone.