Cardiac arrhythmias consequences

General

Under Cardiac arrhythmias (medical: arrhythmia) one understands irregular beating of Heart. The arrhythmias can be in their shape such as Duration be very different. The most Are arrhythmias harmless and occur in many people, often without them noticing that their heartbeat has lost its rhythm. However, arrhythmias may be the cause for a persist for a long time and cause problems. They are accordingly consequences the arrhythmia depending on the particular form of the disease. Some forms are life threatening and need one immediate therapy. So it can partly with Failure to intervene to the instant death come, with other forms resulting from the irregular contraction of the heart Trigger a stroke can. In order to rule out dangerous cardiac arrhythmias should Suspicion address a problem with your own heartbeat Consulted a doctor which if necessary the Diagnosing the form of the arrhythmia and a Therapy recommendation can pronounce.

Causes and forms

Depending on the cause and form of the arrhythmia, these have different effects on the body. In many cases these are harmless and harmless, whereas in some forms there is an acute danger to life. All cardiac arrhythmias have in common that, for some reason, the electrical activity that stimulates the heart muscle to contract is disrupted. In general, a distinction is made between arrhythmias of the atrium and the ventricle. In addition, the distinction between arrhythmias which are faster than the normal heartbeat (Tachycardia) are as well as slow faults (Bradycardia) important and decisive which consequences are to be expected.

The most common cardiac arrhythmias in healthy people are the so-called extrasystoles. These may be described as "heart palpitations". Extrasystoles are particularly common in tall adolescents. Substances such as alcohol and nicotine, as well as physical overuse of the body, can promote the occurrence of extrasystoles. In many cases, extrasystoles occur without being noticed. In most cases, the extrasystoles are harmless cardiac arrhythmias. However, an extrasystole can sometimes trigger another cardiac arrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation, which is life-threatening, especially in previously damaged hearts.

Ventricular fibrillation (heartbeat over 300 / min) and so-called ventricular flutter (heartbeat between 200 and 300 / min) are dangerous cardiac arrhythmias which are life-threatening. These arrhythmias require immediate therapy and, if left untreated, can quickly lead to death. This is due to the fact that the heart can only insufficiently maintain blood circulation during rapid contractions and vital organs can no longer be supplied with oxygen.

So-called atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter is also very common. These arrhythmias are often detected by chance. Since blood clots can form due to the irregular beating of the atrium, which can then be distributed in the body and lead to serious consequences, such a cardiac arrhythmia usually has to be treated with blood-thinning medication. For example, if atrial fibrillation is not treated, a blood clot can get into the brain and trigger a stroke there.

Another, relatively common, cardiac arrhythmia is the so-called AV block. The conduction of excitation between the atria and the ventricles is disturbed. There are several sub-forms of this disease which all require different therapies. For example, light AV blocks can usually be left untreated, while severe forms urgently require therapy. This form of arrhythmia is also often not noticed and is often an incidental finding. Due to the usually slower heartbeat, a lower level of performance may be noticed.

There are a number of other, rather rare, cardiac arrhythmias. Most of the time, cardiac arrhythmias are detected by chance or noticed by a racing heart or stumbling or a reduced performance. In addition, there are clinical pictures which can cause cardiac arrhythmias and are already present at birth.

Read more on the topic: Causes of atrial fibrillation

therapy

Depending on which Form and severity of the disease is present which is responsible for the cardiac arrhythmias, is one therapy necessary. In many cases however must no therapy respectively. Still, it is advisable at recurring arrhythmiaswhich, for example, by "Palpitations"Or"Racing heart“Be perceived, a To see a doctor who can give the all-clear if necessary. At severe irregular heartbeat it applies if possible the underlying disease to therapy. It can also become necessary so-called Taking antiarhythmicswhich that Reduce the occurrence of disturbances should. For some forms, it is also advisable that a Pacemaker implanted will so dangerous consequences the arrhythmia fail. The same goes for the Taking blood-thinning medication, which should be taken for example with atrial fibrillation severe consequential damage the disease prevent.