Fast Facts about Arrhythmia:
What is an Arrhythmia?
Cardiac arrhythmia (also dysrhythmia) is a term for any of a large and varied group of conditions in which there is abnormal electrical activity in the heart. The heart beat may be too fast or too slow, and may be regular or irregular. In my case my heart beat would go from an average of 46 beats per minute up to between 180-200 beats per minute in the space of seconds. (Obviously, that was a little disconcerting!)
What types of Arrhythmia are there?
There are two types of Arrhythmia:
- Bradycardia: the heart rate is too slow (Usually less than 60 beats per minute)
- Tachycardia: the heart rate is too fast (Usually faster than 100 beats per minute)
Within each of these types there are many different disorders that range in severity. I have two of these, Atrial Fib and Atrial Flutter. |
 |
With the Ride4Rhythm my hope is to:
- Raise awareness about Arrhythmias
- Raise funds to promote research
- Make reliable information available
- Forge links with similar groups in other countries.
|
| |
|
|
| What causes an Arrhythmia? |
What are the symptoms of Arrhythmia? |
What are the treatments for Arrhythmia? |
An Arrhythmia occurs when:
- the heart’s natural pacemaker (the SA node) develops an abnormal rhythm
- the normal conduction pathway is interrupted or blocked
- electrical impulses originate from another part of the heart
|
The symptoms of Arrhythmia vary according to the specific condition. They include:
- Palpitation, (or awareness of the heartbeat)
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive fatigue
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Syncope (fainting)
|
The treatments for Arrhythmia depend on the type and condition. Currently they include:
- Medication
- Cardiac Ablation
- Cardio Aversion
- Pacemaker
|
| |
|
|
