Understanding Heart Rhythm Problems (Arrhythmias): Causes & Symptoms

Heart rhythm problems, or heart arrhythmias, are serious medical conditions. It is defined as a abnormality with the electrical impulses in your heart, causing an abnormal heart rhythm.

Causes

• There are many causes for heart arrhythmias including, but not limited to heart tissue scarring, diabetes, smoking, substance abuse, stress, hyperthyroidism, alcoholism and high blood pressure.

Symptoms

• Some of the symptoms of this condition include a racing heartbeat, slow heartbeat, chest pain, breath shortness, dizziness, fainting and a fluttering feeling in the chest.

Risks

• Some of the things that can lead to heart arrhythmias are artery diseases, obesity, thyroid problems, sleep apnea, genetics and age.

Complications

• Unfortunately, heart arrhythmias left untreated can lead to other medical complications such as heart failure and stroke.

Treatments

• This condition is treatable by some forms of therapy, medication and surgical devices. A pacemaker is often used as a surgical method, and anti-arrhythmic medications are common. Therapy is usually used for those who have a quicker heartbeat than normal, such as holding one's breath or coughing.