Arrhythmia is an abnormal rhythm of the heartbeat, which is usually regular and even. Arrhythmias might be caused by a heart defect, fever, infection, and certain medications. The rhythm can be too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia) compromising the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently to the rest of the body. Irregular blood supply can damage other organs such as the kidneys, liver and brain.
Most often, this disorder is not a cause of concern but at times it can get life-threatening.
Symptoms
Symptoms in adults include:
• Palpitation
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Dizziness, fainting, light-headedness
• Chest pains
• Sweating
• Pale skin
• Slow or fast heartbeat
Symptoms in infants include:
• Difficulty in feeding
• Irritability
Diagnoses:
• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG).
• Holter and event monitors
• Blood test
• Electrophysiology studies
Treatment:
• Medications
• Cardio version
• Ablation
• Pacemaker
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillator
• Surgery
