Arritmiák

Arritmiák, commonly known as irregular heartbeats or abnormal heart rhythms, refer to a range of conditions where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm. This deviation from the normal, coordinated electrical activity of the heart can affect its ability to pump blood effectively throughout the body. The heart's rhythm is controlled by a natural pacemaker and a system of electrical pathways. When this system malfunctions, it leads to an arrhythmia.

Symptoms can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia. Some individuals may experience no noticeable symptoms, while others might feel palpitations, a fluttering in the chest, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or even fainting. Certain arrhythmias can be benign, posing little risk, while others can be life-threatening, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest.

The causes of arrhythmias are diverse. They can stem from underlying heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, or a previous heart attack. Other contributing factors include high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, thyroid disorders, certain medications, alcohol consumption, stress, and genetic predispositions. Diagnosing an arrhythmia typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), Holter monitoring, or an echocardiogram. Treatment strategies are tailored to the specific type of arrhythmia and may include lifestyle modifications, medications to control heart rate or rhythm, or procedures like cardioversion, ablation, or implantation of a pacemaker or defibrillator.