What Is Arrhythmia? Doctor Explains Symptoms & Causes

NHS Patients can now monitor themselves Patients are able to track their own conditions Individuals can now keep tabs on their health status People can now manage their own medical monitoring Users can now oversee their personal health metrics Consumers can now handle their own health tracking Those under care can now check their progress independently Clients can now supervise their own health data Laypersons can now assess their own wellness indicators The public can now engage in self-health management heart health Staying at home with the latest Philips ePatch, a self-administered tool created to simplify the detection of cardiac arrhythmias.

In contrast to conventional approaches that demand specialized configuration and multiple cables, the ePatch is easily delivered via mail for simple home application .

Following several days of use, patients return the patch. The gathered information is subsequently evaluated using Cardiologs, an innovative artificial intelligence system, followed by a concluding assessment by a healthcare professional.

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust has become the pioneer in the nation to implement this device, aiming for broader implementation among other NHS organizations. The ePatch is capable of examining different types of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation - rapid heartbeat, and cardiac conduction issues. - increased heart rate, along with heart blockages. - elevated pulse rates, and disruptions in heart rhythm. - fast heartbeats, as well as electrical signal abnormalities. - accelerated heart rhythms, and interruptions in normal heart function.

Cardiac rhythm disorders can take various shapes, which is why we reached out to Dr. Oliver Segal, a specialist heart doctor and arrhythmia expert at The Harley Street Clinic, part of HCA Healthcare UK to learn how to recognize and handle these issues.

What is an arrhythmia?

An arrhythmia refers to an issue with the heart's electrical system, which regulates how the heart beats," says Segal. "Typically, electrical impulses lead the heart to beat in a consistent and synchronized pattern.

Nevertheless, during arrhythmias, these electrical impulses become inconsistent or impaired, leading the heart to pulse excessively quickly, slowly, or in an erratic manner. This may impact the efficiency with which the heart circulates blood throughout the body.

What are the main types of arrhythmia?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent severe arrhythmia, characterized by the atria beating rapidly and unpredictably," explains Segal. "AF can greatly raise the likelihood of a stroke and frequently develops without obvious symptoms. symptoms making screenings essential for certain people.

Bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias are also frequently encountered forms of irregular heartbeats.

Bradycardia occurs when the heartbeat is slower than normal, potentially leading to fatigue, lightheadedness, or passing out," says Segal. "On the other hand, tachycardia refers to an abnormally rapid heartbeat. It may begin in the upper chambers of the heart (known as supraventricular tachycardia) or the lower chambers (called ventricular tachycardia), with the latter often being more hazardous.

Additional types of irregular heartbeats encompass early atrial or ventricular beats (additional pulses) as well as less common issues such as ventricular fibrillation.

What elements may lead to or result in irregular heartbeats?

Risk factors consist of heart disease, high blood pressure (which may put stress on the heart gradually) and thyroid issues, particularly an overactive thyroid (known as hyperthyroidism)," states Segal. "Furthermore, advanced age and a family history of such conditions can also raise your chances.

Some habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption can also play a role.

"Consuming large amounts of alcohol, excessive caffeine, smoking, and using illicit substances can raise your chances of developing heart issues," says the cardiologist. Stress and stress may also lead to heartbeats or irregular rhythms."

Certain prescribed medications and non-prescription medicines may influence cardiac rhythm, he further explains.

"Nevertheless, occasionally arrhythmias develop without a clear reason; these are known as idiopathic," explains Segal.

What signs should we be aware of?

“ Symptoms may differ but typically involve sensations such as palpitations (feeling like the heart is fluttering, beating rapidly, throbbing, or beating unevenly) along with/or lightheadedness caused by decreased blood supply to the brain," notes Segal. "Additional symptoms may consist of difficulty breathing (particularly when exercising), chest pain, tiredness or lack of energy because the heart isn’t pumping effectively, and losing consciousness or feeling close to passing out."

When is the right time to contact our general practitioner regarding these symptoms?

If an individual frequently encounters these symptoms, particularly if they become more severe or disrupt everyday activities, they ought to consult their general practitioner," suggests Segal. "Tests like a ECG or a 24-hour cardiac monitor may be used for additional evaluation."

When should we dial 999 or visit the emergency department for these symptoms?

Contact emergency services right away if an individual has intense chest pain or tightness, collapses suddenly, loses consciousness, or faces significant shortness of breath," states Segal. "Additionally, get immediate assistance if the heartbeats are paired with lightheadedness or passing out, or if there is weakness or tingling on one side of the body along with trouble speaking, which might signal a stroke.

How can heart rhythm conditions be treated and managed?

The approach to treatment varies depending on the kind and intensity of the irregular heartbeat.

"Medications such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers help decrease the heart rate, anti-arrhythmia medications work to return the heartbeat to a regular pattern, and anticoagulants (also known as blood thinners) lower the chance of a stroke, especially in cases of atrial fibrillation," explains Segal.

Modifying daily habits can lead to significant improvements as well.

"Cutting back on alcohol and coffee consumption, stopping tobacco use, handling stress, following a nutritious meal plan, engaging in frequent physical activity, and addressing ailments such as hypertension or diabetes can all make a difference," notes Segal.

When is an operation performed and what does it include?

When drugs do not work well or are unsuitable, treatments like inserting a pacemaker, performing catheter ablation, or placing an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator may be suggested.

A pacemaker is a small device implanted beneath the skin to manage slow or erratic heart rhythms," says Segal. "An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator can identify and address life-threatening arrhythmias.

Catheter ablation is a less intrusive treatment that employs heat (radiofrequency energy), freezing (cryoablation), or pulse-based technology to eliminate tiny regions of irregular heart tissue responsible for arrhythmias. It frequently leads to complete resolution or notable improvement in symptoms.

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