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• Tachycardia: A condition in which the heart beats faster than normal, typically exceeding 100 beats per minute at rest. Types of tachycardia include atrial tachycardia, atrioventricular tachycardia, and non-reentrant tachycardia unrelated to conduction disturbances.
• Bradycardia: A condition in which the heart beats slower than normal, typically fewer than 60 beats per minute at rest. Bradycardia may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.
• Atrial fibrillation: This condition occurs when the atria do not function properly, resulting in an irregular heart rhythm or loss of synchrony between the atria and ventricles. It may lead to loss of normal cardiac rhythm and impaired pumping efficiency of the heart.
• Long QT Syndrome (LQTS): A condition resulting from either congenital or acquired abnormalities in the function or regulation of cardiac ion channels (channelopathies), leading to a prolonged action potential duration in ventricular myocardial cells. This syndrome is manifested by a prolonged heart rate–corrected QT interval (QTc) on the electrocardiogram (ECG).

Signs and symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia

There are several warning signs of cardiac arrhythmia. Below are some common symptoms that patients with arrhythmia may experience:

Palpitations: A noticeable or abnormal awareness of the heartbeat, such as feeling that the heart is racing, pounding, or fluttering.

Irregular heartbeat: You may experience an uneven or inconsistent heart rhythm, which may be caused by skipped, interrupted, or unsynchronized beats.

Shortness of breath: When the heart rhythm is irregular, blood may not be pumped efficiently, leading to a sensation of breathlessness or difficulty breathing, even at rest.

Chest pain: Cardiac arrhythmia may cause pain or discomfort in the chest, often described as heaviness, pressure, or aching sensation.

Dizziness or syncope: An irregular or excessively rapid heart rhythm may reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to lightheadedness or fainting.

Fatigue: Cardiac arrhythmia may cause increased tiredness or weakness, even without engaging in strenuous activity.

Anxiety or uneasiness: An irregular heart rhythm may trigger feelings of anxiety, restlessness, or fear.

If you experience any of the above symptoms or suspect a cardiac arrhythmia, you should consult a physician for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Reader may also be interested in: 

• What a cardiovascular examination entails and when to get a cardiac examination?
• Tachycardia: Causes and management
• Hypertension – a common condition with potentially serious complications

Causes of cardiac arrhythmia

The causes of cardiac arrhythmia can be diverse and complex, and not all cases have a clearly identifiable origin. Below are some of the main recognized causes:

Cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular conditions, such as valvular heart disease, pericarditis, myocardial injury, or heart failure, may lead to cardiac arrhythmias.

Genetic abnormalities

Some cardiac arrhythmias have a genetic basis, such as Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), Brugada Syndrome, and Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome.

Constitutional factors

Some individuals have structural heart abnormalities or defects in the cardiac conduction system, which may predispose them to the development of arrhythmias.

Electrolyte imbalances

Electrolyte disturbances, such as abnormal levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium, may trigger cardiac arrhythmias.

Systemic conditions

Certain non-cardiac conditions may also lead to arrhythmias, including thyroid disorders, chronic bronchopulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and renal failure.

Side effects of medications

Certain medications, such as antiarrhythmic agents, anticonvulsants, chemotherapeutic drugs, and other therapeutic agents, may have side effects that induce cardiac arrhythmias.

Effects of stimulants

Excessive consumption of stimulants such as alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, or other addictive substances may affect cardiac rhythm and contribute to the development of arrhythmias.

The causes mentioned above are only some examples and do not represent an exhaustive list of factors leading to cardiac arrhythmias. Accurate diagnosis and identification of the underlying cause require thorough evaluation by a cardiologist.

Individuals at risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias

Family history and advanced age are among the factors that increase the risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias. Below are groups of individuals who are at higher risk compared to the general population:

• Elderly individuals: Age is a significant risk factor for cardiac arrhythmias. Certain types, such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation, are more prevalent in older adults.
• Individuals with cardiovascular disease: Those with pre-existing heart conditions, such as valvular heart disease, pericarditis, or heart failure, as well as patients who have undergone cardiac interventions such as valve replacement or arrhythmia surgery, are at higher risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias.
• Individuals with a family history: Genetic predisposition plays a role in certain arrhythmias, such as Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), Brugada Syndrome, and Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome. Therefore, individuals with a family history of these conditions are at a higher risk of developing arrhythmias.
• Individuals who use stimulants: Excessive consumption of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, addictive medications, and illicit drugs may increase the risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias.
• Individuals with systemic conditions: Other medical disorders, such as thyroid disease, chronic bronchopulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and renal failure, may increase the risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias.
• Individuals under stress or psychological tension: Emotional stress and psychological strain may alter heart rhythm and contribute to the onset of cardiac arrhythmias.
• Individuals taking arrhythmia-inducing medications: Certain drugs, such as antiarrhythmic agents, anticonvulsants, and other medications, may have side effects that trigger cardiac arrhythmias.

Medications are widely used to regulate and control heart rhythm. Commonly prescribed drugs include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmic agents, and digitalis, which help restore normal rhythm and manage symptoms.

External electrical cardioversion

This is a treatment method that uses an external defibrillator to deliver controlled electrical shocks through the chest, with the aim of restoring normal cardiac rhythm.

Intravenous medication for heart rate control

In certain cases, medications may be administered intravenously, sometimes directly affecting the heart, to control cardiac rhythm. This approach is often used in the management of tachyarrhythmias that do not respond to standard oral medications.

Catheter ablation

This procedure is used to treat arrhythmias that originate from a specific area of the heart. Catheter ablation is performed by inserting thin catheters through the veins to target, destroy, or isolate abnormal foci responsible for the arrhythmia.

Pacemaker

This method is applied when the heart fails to maintain an appropriate rhythm or beats too slowly. An artificial pacemaker helps sustain normal cardiac rhythm by delivering electrical impulses when necessary.

Implantable Cardioverter - Defibrillator

For individuals at high risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, physicians may recommend the use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). The device automatically delivers electrical impulses when it detects abnormal rhythms, thereby restoring normal cardiac rhythm.

The treatment of cardiac arrhythmias must be carried out under the guidance of a cardiologist. Therapeutic regimens should be individualized for each specific case. Therefore, patients are advised to seek care at reputable cardiology centers for thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment recommendations.

The Cardiology Department at Hong Ngoc General Hospital is a trusted destination for cardiac care. With a team of highly qualified specialists and advanced medical equipment, the department provides accurate diagnosis of arrhythmias and offers the most effective treatment regimens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrAOYqzCnFw

Register for a cardiology consultation here:

Prevention of cardiac arrhythmias

To minimize the risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias, it is important to follow these preventive measures:

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

• Limit the use of stimulants such as tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, and other addictive substances.
•  Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet with adequate essential nutrients, while reducing unhealthy fats such as processed foods, cholesterol, and excess sugar.
•  Engage in regular physical exercise at an intensity appropriate to your health condition.

Reduce stress and manage anxiety effectively

• Learn to reduce and manage stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, exercise, or engaging in enjoyable recreational activities.
• Explore stress management techniques to help alleviate pressure and reduce tension in daily life.

Control other risk factors

• Control and manage related medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and other systemic illnesses.
•  Adhere strictly to medical prescriptions and treatment plans, and seek professional advice whenever necessary.

Avoid the use of medications that may induce arrhythmias

Consult your physician or pharmacist about the potential side effects of your current medications and whether they may affect heart rhythm. Avoid using drugs that can induce arrhythmias unless absolutely necessary.

Undergo regular check-ups and treatment for cardiovascular conditions

• Have regular heart and rhythm evaluations at specialized cardiology centers.
• Monitor the progression of any cardiovascular conditions and receive timely treatment when necessary.

Avoid exposure to harmful substances

• Avoid exposure to industrial chemicals, pesticides, and environmental pollutants.

However, the above are only general preventive measures and cannot replace professional medical advice. If you experience any risk factors or symptoms related to cardiac arrhythmias, it is essential to consult a physician for personalized evaluation and guidance.

Note: The information provided in this article by Hong Ngoc General Hospital is for reference only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Patients are advised not to self-medicate. For an accurate assessment of their condition, patients should visit a hospital for direct consultation, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment planning by a physician.

Follow the official fanpage of Hong Ngoc General Hospital for more valuable health information.

• Tachycardia: A condition in which the heart beats faster than normal, typically exceeding 100 beats per minute at rest. Types of tachycardia include atrial tachycardia, atrioventricular tachycardia, and non-reentrant tachycardia unrelated to conduction disturbances.
• Bradycardia: A condition in which the heart beats slower than normal, typically fewer than 60 beats per minute at rest. Bradycardia may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.
• Atrial fibrillation: This condition occurs when the atria do not function properly, resulting in an irregular heart rhythm or loss of synchrony between the atria and ventricles. It may lead to loss of normal cardiac rhythm and impaired pumping efficiency of the heart.
• Long QT Syndrome (LQTS): A condition resulting from either congenital or acquired abnormalities in the function or regulation of cardiac ion channels (channelopathies), leading to a prolonged action potential duration in ventricular myocardial cells. This syndrome is manifested by a prolonged heart rate–corrected QT interval (QTc) on the electrocardiogram (ECG).

Signs and symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia

There are several warning signs of cardiac arrhythmia. Below are some common symptoms that patients with arrhythmia may experience:

Palpitations: A noticeable or abnormal awareness of the heartbeat, such as feeling that the heart is racing, pounding, or fluttering.

Irregular heartbeat: You may experience an uneven or inconsistent heart rhythm, which may be caused by skipped, interrupted, or unsynchronized beats.

Shortness of breath: When the heart rhythm is irregular, blood may not be pumped efficiently, leading to a sensation of breathlessness or difficulty breathing, even at rest.

Chest pain: Cardiac arrhythmia may cause pain or discomfort in the chest, often described as heaviness, pressure, or aching sensation.

Dizziness or syncope: An irregular or excessively rapid heart rhythm may reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to lightheadedness or fainting.

Fatigue: Cardiac arrhythmia may cause increased tiredness or weakness, even without engaging in strenuous activity.

Anxiety or uneasiness: An irregular heart rhythm may trigger feelings of anxiety, restlessness, or fear.

If you experience any of the above symptoms or suspect a cardiac arrhythmia, you should consult a physician for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Reader may also be interested in: 

• What a cardiovascular examination entails and when to get a cardiac examination?
• Tachycardia: Causes and management
• Hypertension – a common condition with potentially serious complications

Causes of cardiac arrhythmia

The causes of cardiac arrhythmia can be diverse and complex, and not all cases have a clearly identifiable origin. Below are some of the main recognized causes:

Cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular conditions, such as valvular heart disease, pericarditis, myocardial injury, or heart failure, may lead to cardiac arrhythmias.

Genetic abnormalities

Some cardiac arrhythmias have a genetic basis, such as Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), Brugada Syndrome, and Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome.

Constitutional factors

Some individuals have structural heart abnormalities or defects in the cardiac conduction system, which may predispose them to the development of arrhythmias.

Electrolyte imbalances

Electrolyte disturbances, such as abnormal levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium, may trigger cardiac arrhythmias.

Systemic conditions

Certain non-cardiac conditions may also lead to arrhythmias, including thyroid disorders, chronic bronchopulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and renal failure.

Side effects of medications

Certain medications, such as antiarrhythmic agents, anticonvulsants, chemotherapeutic drugs, and other therapeutic agents, may have side effects that induce cardiac arrhythmias.

Effects of stimulants

Excessive consumption of stimulants such as alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, or other addictive substances may affect cardiac rhythm and contribute to the development of arrhythmias.

The causes mentioned above are only some examples and do not represent an exhaustive list of factors leading to cardiac arrhythmias. Accurate diagnosis and identification of the underlying cause require thorough evaluation by a cardiologist.

Individuals at risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias

Family history and advanced age are among the factors that increase the risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias. Below are groups of individuals who are at higher risk compared to the general population:

• Elderly individuals: Age is a significant risk factor for cardiac arrhythmias. Certain types, such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation, are more prevalent in older adults.
• Individuals with cardiovascular disease: Those with pre-existing heart conditions, such as valvular heart disease, pericarditis, or heart failure, as well as patients who have undergone cardiac interventions such as valve replacement or arrhythmia surgery, are at higher risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias.
• Individuals with a family history: Genetic predisposition plays a role in certain arrhythmias, such as Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), Brugada Syndrome, and Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome. Therefore, individuals with a family history of these conditions are at a higher risk of developing arrhythmias.
• Individuals who use stimulants: Excessive consumption of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, addictive medications, and illicit drugs may increase the risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias.
• Individuals with systemic conditions: Other medical disorders, such as thyroid disease, chronic bronchopulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and renal failure, may increase the risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias.
• Individuals under stress or psychological tension: Emotional stress and psychological strain may alter heart rhythm and contribute to the onset of cardiac arrhythmias.
• Individuals taking arrhythmia-inducing medications: Certain drugs, such as antiarrhythmic agents, anticonvulsants, and other medications, may have side effects that trigger cardiac arrhythmias.

Medications are widely used to regulate and control heart rhythm. Commonly prescribed drugs include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmic agents, and digitalis, which help restore normal rhythm and manage symptoms.

External electrical cardioversion

This is a treatment method that uses an external defibrillator to deliver controlled electrical shocks through the chest, with the aim of restoring normal cardiac rhythm.

Intravenous medication for heart rate control

In certain cases, medications may be administered intravenously, sometimes directly affecting the heart, to control cardiac rhythm. This approach is often used in the management of tachyarrhythmias that do not respond to standard oral medications.

Catheter ablation

This procedure is used to treat arrhythmias that originate from a specific area of the heart. Catheter ablation is performed by inserting thin catheters through the veins to target, destroy, or isolate abnormal foci responsible for the arrhythmia.

Pacemaker

This method is applied when the heart fails to maintain an appropriate rhythm or beats too slowly. An artificial pacemaker helps sustain normal cardiac rhythm by delivering electrical impulses when necessary.

Implantable Cardioverter - Defibrillator

For individuals at high risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, physicians may recommend the use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). The device automatically delivers electrical impulses when it detects abnormal rhythms, thereby restoring normal cardiac rhythm.

The treatment of cardiac arrhythmias must be carried out under the guidance of a cardiologist. Therapeutic regimens should be individualized for each specific case. Therefore, patients are advised to seek care at reputable cardiology centers for thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment recommendations.

The Cardiology Department at Hong Ngoc General Hospital is a trusted destination for cardiac care. With a team of highly qualified specialists and advanced medical equipment, the department provides accurate diagnosis of arrhythmias and offers the most effective treatment regimens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrAOYqzCnFw

Register for a cardiology consultation here:

Prevention of cardiac arrhythmias

To minimize the risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias, it is important to follow these preventive measures:

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

• Limit the use of stimulants such as tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, and other addictive substances.
•  Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet with adequate essential nutrients, while reducing unhealthy fats such as processed foods, cholesterol, and excess sugar.
•  Engage in regular physical exercise at an intensity appropriate to your health condition.

Reduce stress and manage anxiety effectively

• Learn to reduce and manage stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, exercise, or engaging in enjoyable recreational activities.
• Explore stress management techniques to help alleviate pressure and reduce tension in daily life.

Control other risk factors

• Control and manage related medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and other systemic illnesses.
•  Adhere strictly to medical prescriptions and treatment plans, and seek professional advice whenever necessary.

Avoid the use of medications that may induce arrhythmias

Consult your physician or pharmacist about the potential side effects of your current medications and whether they may affect heart rhythm. Avoid using drugs that can induce arrhythmias unless absolutely necessary.

Undergo regular check-ups and treatment for cardiovascular conditions

• Have regular heart and rhythm evaluations at specialized cardiology centers.
• Monitor the progression of any cardiovascular conditions and receive timely treatment when necessary.

Avoid exposure to harmful substances

• Avoid exposure to industrial chemicals, pesticides, and environmental pollutants.

However, the above are only general preventive measures and cannot replace professional medical advice. If you experience any risk factors or symptoms related to cardiac arrhythmias, it is essential to consult a physician for personalized evaluation and guidance.

Note: The information provided in this article by Hong Ngoc General Hospital is for reference only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Patients are advised not to self-medicate. For an accurate assessment of their condition, patients should visit a hospital for direct consultation, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment planning by a physician.

Follow the official fanpage of Hong Ngoc General Hospital for more valuable health information.