{"id":6128,"date":"2023-06-01T00:42:20","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T00:42:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nararavalleymedical.com.au\/staging-sept\/?p=6128"},"modified":"2025-07-15T10:04:55","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T00:04:55","slug":"understanding-heart-arrhythmia-for-heart-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nararavalleymedical.com.au\/staging-sept\/2023\/06\/01\/understanding-heart-arrhythmia-for-heart-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Heart Arrhythmia for Heart Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

June 6 to 13 is World Heart Rhythm Week. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our 2023 theme is ‘Take Fainting to Heart’, which aims to promote awareness of the link between fainting known medically as ‘syncope’ (pronounced SINK-a-pee) and arrhythmias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is heart arrhythmia?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Heart arrhythmia refers to abnormal heart rhythms. These occur when the electrical impulses governing the heartbeat change from their regular pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heart arrhythmia occurs when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These abnormalities disrupt the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, potentially leading to complications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The irregular heartbeat may result in skipped beats, palpitations (a racing or pounding sensation in the chest), or a fluttering feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This condition can affect people of all ages and may vary in severity. Recognising the signs and types of arrhythmia is vital for early detection and management<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"anatomical
Colourful tactile anatomical structure of the heart. Source: Unsplash<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Types of Arrhythmia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): The most common type, characterized by rapid, irregular contractions of the heart’s upper chambers (atria). AFib increases the risk of stroke and other heart-related complications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): A rapid heartbeat originating in the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles). It can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Bradycardia: Abnormally slow heart rate, usually less than 60 beats per minute, which can cause symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Episodes of rapid heart rate originating above the ventricles, often triggered by an abnormal electrical pathway.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs): Extra, abnormal heartbeats that cause a sensation of skipped or “extra” beats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW): A condition characterised by an extra electrical pathway between the atria and ventricles, resulting in a rapid heart rate.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    What are the causes of heart arrhythmia?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Heart arrhythmias can have various causes, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Electrical system abnormalities:<\/strong> Problems with the heart’s electrical system can disrupt the normal rhythm of the heart. This can be due to congenital abnormalities, aging, or damage to the heart tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Heart conditions:<\/strong> Certain heart conditions can increase the risk of developing arrhythmias. These include coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart valve problems, congenital heart defects, and prior heart attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    High blood pressure: <\/strong>Uncontrolled high blood pressure can strain the heart and lead to arrhythmias.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Thyroid disorders:<\/strong> Both an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can contribute to the development of arrhythmias.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Medications and substances:<\/strong> Certain medications, such as some antiarrhythmic drugs, as well as stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, and recreational drugs, can trigger arrhythmias in some people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Imbalances in electrolytes: <\/strong>An imbalance in essential electrolytes like potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium can disrupt the electrical impulses that control the heart’s rhythm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Excessive alcohol or drug use:<\/strong> Heavy alcohol consumption or substance abuse can increase the risk of arrhythmias.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Emotional stress or anxiety: <\/strong>Intense emotions or chronic stress can affect the heart’s electrical system and lead to arrhythmias.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sleep apnea: <\/strong>People with sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing is interrupted during sleep, are at an increased risk of developing arrhythmias.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In some cases, the exact cause of an arrhythmia may not be identified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What are the symptoms of arrhythmia?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n