Arrhythmia

An arrhythmia is an abnormality in the timing or pattern of the heartbeat. Arrhythmias may cause the heart to beat too rapidly, too slowly, or irregularly. They are common and may cause a wide variety of symptoms, such as a racing, skipping or fluttering... Full Answer

Millions of Americans have arrhythmias. They're very common in older adults. About 2.2 million Americans have atrial fibrillation (a common type of arrhythmia that can cause problems). Most serious arrhythmias affect people older than 60. This is because... Full Answer

Heart arrhythmias are dangerous when they prevent the heart from pumping blood to your body. Some arrhythmias are more dangerous than others. Dangerous arrhythmias can cause chest pain, dizziness, stroke, and death. Full Answer

Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm where the upper chambers of the heart—the atria—are short-circuited. Rather than normal "sinus rhythm" where a single electrical signal controls the heartbeat, in atrial fibrillation there are... Full Answer

Arrhythmia is a change to the regular, rhythmic beating of your heart, causing the heartbeat to speed up, slow down, or become irregular. While many people experience the occasional, irregular heartbeat, some arrhythmias can have serious side effects.... Full Answer

There are numerous triggers for heart palpitations, which make your heart feel like it's fluttering or skipping a beat. The most common are decongestants and caffeine. Alcohol overindulgence is another frequent cause. Full Answer

It's important to prevent bleeding after the catheter is pulled out. For example, if the catheter was in your groin, firm pressure will be applied there for about 10 minutes to stop the bleeding. Then a pressure dressing will be placed over the area.... Full Answer

Electrical cardioversion is an outpatient procedure. With this procedure, a cardiologist gives a mild shock to the heart to convert the chaotic rhythm back to normal. After undergoing electrical cardioversion to treat atrial fibrillation, your doctor may... Full Answer

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia is a too-rapid heartbeat rhythm, which results from an electrical short-circuit in the upper portion of the heart. Symptoms include light-headedness or shortness of breath. Episodes generally are not life... Full Answer

Arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat. It may be too slow (brachycardia) or too fast (tachycardia), or it may skip a beat. Some are normal (everyone’s heart skips a beat now and then). Some are dangerous and require a doctor visit. Consult a... Full Answer