![]() The sinus node may develop an abnormal rate or rhythm.The heartbeat may begin in a part of the heart other than the sinus node.An arrhythmia may happen for different reasons: There are several types of arrhythmias, named by the chambers of the heart in which they occur (atria or ventricles) and by what effect they have on the heart's rhythm. There are various causes of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. But, in some cases, the heart alternates between beating slowly for a while and then fast for a while. ![]() The heart then tends to beat slowly or miss a few beats. Sick sinus syndrome: the heart's natural pacemaker - becomes damaged.The ventricles then contract at their own in-built rate of about 20-40 bpm. Third-degree, or complete, heart block means that no impulses are conducted through.The rate that the ventricles contract can then be slow. Second-degree heart block means that some impulses from the atria are not conducted through to the ventricles.But, each impulse does get through and the heart rate is normal. First-degree heart block means there is a slight delay in each impulse going from the atria to the ventricles.The SA node in the right atrium 'fires' at the normal rate but the rate at which the ventricles contract (pulse rate) depends on how many impulses get through to the ventricles: Heart block occurs when the electrical impulses are partially or fully blocked between the atria and the ventricles.It is fatal unless corrected within a few minutes. This is life-threatening and a common cause of the heart stopping (cardiac arrest). This means the heart muscle only weakly contracts and this is not enough to push blood out of the heart. Ventricular fibrillation (VF): many random electrical impulses 'fire off' from different parts of the ventricles.There is a trigger of electrical impulses somewhere in the ventricles which overrides the normal impulses coming down from the atria. The ventricles beat faster than normal (between 120 and 200 bpm). Ventricular tachycardia is an uncommon arrhythmia.The atria contract at about 300 bpm but the ventricles are unable to beat that quickly and so beat at between 75 and 150 bpm. Atrial flutter is similar to atrial fibrillation (AF).Caffeine in tea or coffee, and alcohol may cause you to have more ectopic beats than usual. Sometimes you may notice them as a slight thud in the chest if you are lying still in bed. They are very common and are usually harmless. Ectopic beats: these are extra heartbeats which occur out of rhythm with the normal heartbeat.The main types of arrhythmia include the following: If it detects a change to an abnormal rhythm, the device can send a short electrical shock to the heart to stop the abnormal rhythm. They are small devices which are similar to pacemakers and are inserted under the skin in the upper chest. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are sometimes used.The pacemaker can then stimulate the heart to maintain a regular normal heartbeat. An artificial pacemaker is a small device which is inserted just under the skin on the upper chest. Artificial pacemakers are used in cases of complete heart block and in certain other situations.This may revert the abnormal rhythm back to normal. Whilst under anaesthetic, you are given an electrical shock over the heart. Cardioversion may be an option for some types of tachycardia.The tip of the catheter can destroy a tiny section of heart tissue that is the source or trigger of abnormal electrical impulses. A small wire (catheter) is passed via a large vein in your leg into the chambers of your heart. Catheter destruction (ablation) treatment.The medication used will depend on the type of arrhythmia. The sort of treatments which may be considered include: Also, treating any underlying cause - such as coronary heart disease, or high blood pressure (hypertension) - may also be important in controlling certain arrhythmias. Each type of abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) has specific treatment options.
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