What is the difference between arrhythmia and fibrillation?

Arrhythmia and fibrillation are both terms used to describe abnormal heart rhythms, but they have different meanings.

Arrhythmia refers to any deviation from a normal heart rhythm. This can include conditions where the heart rate is too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregular.

Fibrillation is a specific type of arrhythmia that involves the rapid, chaotic contraction of the heart muscle. This can lead to the heart beating too fast or too slow to be effective, and can be a serious condition.

The following table summarizes the key differences between arrhythmia and fibrillation:

| Feature | Arrhythmia | Fibrillation |

|---|---|---|

| Definition | Any deviation from a normal heart rhythm | Rapid, chaotic contraction of the heart muscle |

| Examples | Tachycardia, bradycardia, irregular heartbeats | Atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation |

| Causes | Can include heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, medications, stress | Often caused by underlying heart disease |

| Symptoms | May include chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting | May include rapid heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting |

| Treatment | Depends on the type of arrhythmia | May include medication, surgery, or catheter ablation |

It is important to see a doctor if you experience any symptoms of arrhythmia or fibrillation. These conditions can be serious and may require treatment.