An arrhythmia, also spelled as arhythmia, is a medical term used to describe an abnormality or disturbance in the regular rhythm of the heart. The term is derived from the Greek words "a", meaning without, and "rhythmia", referring to rhythm. In simple terms, it can be understood as an irregularity in the beating pattern of the heart.
The heart normally beats in a coordinated and rhythmic manner, pumping blood to the body's various organs and tissues. However, in the presence of an arrhythmia, the heart may beat too slowly (bradycardia), too rapidly (tachycardia), or irregularly. This can disrupt the heart's ability to pump an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's needs, potentially leading to various symptoms and medical complications.
Arrhythmias can be caused by a multitude of factors, including heart diseases, electrolyte imbalances, medications, stimulants, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, smoking, stress, or structural abnormalities of the heart. Some individuals may experience brief episodes of arrhythmia that are harmless, while others may have chronic or severe arrhythmias that require medical intervention.
Common symptoms of arrhythmia include palpitations (sensations of rapid, irregular, or skipped heartbeats), dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, chest discomfort, or fainting. Diagnosis of an arrhythmia usually involves a comprehensive evaluation by a cardiologist, utilizing electrocardiography (ECG), Holter monitoring, echocardiography, or other cardiac tests.
Treatment options for arrhythmias vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. They may include lifestyle modifications, medications to control heart rate and rhythm, catheter ablation procedures, pacemaker implant
