What is Cardiac Arrhythmia
Cardiac arrhythmia refers to an abnormality in the rhythm or rate of the heart. The normal heart rate should be regular and between 60-85 beats per minute in a state of rest.
The perception by the patient of an irregular heart beat or an accelerated rate are commonly referred to as palpitations. Serious heart arrhythmias are often associated with cardiac symptoms. In cases of shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating, nausea, faintness, or fainting associated with palpitations immediate emergency evaluation is required.
Patients with a previous history for serious arrhythmias or heart attack should seek immediate medical evaluation for palpitations, even in the absence of associated symptoms.
Hypothermia (low body temperature) patients can contract serious cardiac arrhythmias as a complication. A cardiac arrhythmia known as atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke, through the development of a blood clot within the heart that is released into the general circulation(embolization). This occurs more commonly in the patient who suffers from intermittent atrial fibrillation.
Benign Cardiac Arrhythmias
Many people experience palpitations at one time or another. These palpitations may be associated with stress, anxiety, fever, alcohol use, mitral valve prolapse, caffeine, nicotine, or decongestants (pseudo-ephedrine). Benign arrhythmias are not associated with the cardiac symptoms listed above. Avoidance of all stimulants can often result in complete resolution of symptoms.
Causes
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Coronary Artery Disease
-
Heart Failure
- Pericarditis
- Myocarditis
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Mitral Valve Prolapse
- Scleroderma
- Valvular Heart Disease (e.g. aortic stenosis)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Electrical injury
- Cold Injury
- Myocardial Contusion
- Drug Side Effects
- Drug Toxicity (cocaine abuse)
- Anxiety
- Hyperventilation
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Diabetes
- Heart Attack
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Kidney Failure
- Dehydration