Arütmiaid

Arütmiaid are disorders of the heart rhythm caused by abnormal electrical generation or conduction within the heart. They can cause the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or with an irregular pattern. While some arütmiaid are benign and cause few symptoms, others increase the risk of complications such as stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death, particularly when underlying heart disease is present.

Common types include supraventricular tachycardias (for example AV nodal reentrant tachycardia) and atrial fibrillation or flutter; sinus tachycardia or bradycardia; and ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Premature contractions (PACs and PVCs) are early beats that may occur in healthy people or signal heart disease. Symptoms vary and may include palpitations, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, though some people have no noticeable symptoms.

Diagnosis relies primarily on electrocardiography (ECG). Extended monitoring with Holter or event recorders, echocardiography, exercise testing, and laboratory tests for thyroid function and electrolytes are commonly used to identify causes and guide treatment.

Treatment depends on the arrhythmia type and severity. Approaches include observation for minor or asymptomatic cases, medications (such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or antiarrhythmic drugs), electrical cardioversion for certain tachyarrhythmias, catheter ablation, and pacing or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in selected patients. In atrial fibrillation, stroke prevention with anticoagulation is often indicated based on risk factors. Prognosis varies with the type and associated heart disease.