Arrhythmia is a heart rhythm disorder that causes the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Generally, arrhythmias are categorized into two types: tachycardia and bradycardia. This classification is based on the speed of the heartbeat. However, arrhythmias can also be differentiated based on the area of the heart affected.
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Types of Arrhythmias
Arrhythmia is caused by electrical impulse disturbances in the heart, affecting its rhythm. The most common types of arrhythmia are:
- Tachycardia: When the heart beats too fast, over 100 beats per minute.
- Bradycardia: When the heart beats too slowly, below 60 beats per minute.
Additionally, arrhythmias can be classified by the area of the heart affected. Arrhythmias can occur in the upper chambers of the heart (atrium) or the lower chambers (ventricle).
Here are the types of arrhythmias to watch out for:
1. Supraventricular Arrhythmia
Supraventricular arrhythmia is a heart rhythm disorder that occurs in the upper chambers of the heart. This condition can cause the heart to start and stop suddenly. Some types of supraventricular arrhythmias include:
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): The most common type of arrhythmia. AFib can cause your heart to beat more than 400 times per minute. This condition is caused by the upper and lower chambers of the heart not working as they should, resulting in the lower chambers not being fully filled with blood and therefore not being able to pump blood properly to the lungs and the rest of the body.
- Atrial Flutter: Similar to AFib, but the rhythm is usually more regular. Atrial flutter can cause the upper chambers of the heart to beat 250-350 times per minute. It occurs because the signals that instruct the atrium to beat are blocked or damaged, causing the upper and lower chambers to beat at different rhythms. Atrial flutter is often associated with an increased risk of stroke.
- Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT): A type of arrhythmia that causes extra heartbeats due to electrical impulse issues in the upper chambers of the heart that travel to the lower chambers. This type of arrhythmia occurs irregularly, starting and stopping suddenly. One trigger for PSVT is intense physical activity. This condition is generally not dangerous and often occurs in younger individuals.
2. Ventricular Arrhythmia
Ventricular arrhythmia is a type of arrhythmia that occurs in the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. This condition causes the lower chambers to beat too quickly, preventing them from being fully filled with blood and oxygen, thus hindering blood flow to the brain and the rest of the body. Some types of ventricular arrhythmias include:
- Ventricular Tachycardia: A condition where the heart beats rapidly and regularly in the ventricles. This condition can last for only a few seconds or longer. It generally does not cause problems if it occurs briefly, but if it lasts longer, it can lead to ventricular fibrillation (VFib).
- Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib): Occurs when electrical signals cause the ventricles to quiver (beat extremely fast), up to 300 beats per minute, preventing the ventricles from pumping blood normally throughout the body. When the ventricles cannot pump blood, there is a risk of cardiac arrest and death.
3. Bradycardia
Bradycardia is a heart rhythm disorder that causes the heart to beat too slowly, below 60 beats per minute. This condition can prevent the heart from pumping blood effectively. However, a slow heartbeat is not always problematic. In healthy young individuals, a slow heartbeat is normal. Some types of bradycardia include:
- Sick Sinus Syndrome: The sinus node (also known as the sinoatrial node/SA node) regulates the heart rate. Sick sinus syndrome occurs due to scarring near the sinus node, which blocks electrical impulses, slowing the heart rate. This condition is common in the elderly.
- Conduction Block: Occurs when the pathways of electrical impulses are blocked, causing the heart rate to slow down or stop.
4. Premature Heartbeat
Premature heartbeat is an extra beat that occurs at one time and can be detected during a heart examination, such as an ECG. Individuals with premature heartbeats often feel as if their heart skips a beat occasionally. Premature heartbeats are divided into two types:
- Premature Atrial Contractions (PACs): Occurs when extra beats originate from the upper chambers (atrium) of the heart.
- Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs): Occurs when extra beats originate from the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart.
This condition is generally not dangerous but can lead to long-term arrhythmia, especially in individuals with heart disease and weakened heart conditions.
5. Long QT Syndrome
Long QT syndrome is a less common type of arrhythmia. It is a disorder of electrical impulses in the heart that can cause abnormal heart rhythms, fainting, and sudden cardiac arrest. Long QT syndrome is a hereditary type of arrhythmia.
The types of arrhythmias mentioned above require different treatments. Therefore, a thorough examination by a cardiologist is necessary to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
At the Mandaya Royal Hospital Heart Center, we offer various examinations that can help you find the correct diagnosis and treatment. Our best cardiologists will be happy to assist you and discuss all the options available.
Make an appointment easily through the WhatsApp Chat feature or Book Appointment. You can also do so through the Care Dokter app, available for download on Google Play and the App Store. In addition to appointments, you can monitor queue numbers and get complete information there.
