Rütmihäired

Rütmihäired, also known as arrhythmias, are irregularities in the heart's rhythm. The heart normally beats with a regular, steady rhythm, but arrhythmias cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. These disruptions can occur in the upper chambers (atria) or lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart.

Common causes of rütmihäired include underlying heart disease such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, or a previous heart attack. Other contributing factors can be high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, thyroid problems, certain medications, excessive alcohol consumption, or the use of recreational drugs. Stress, fatigue, and even caffeine can sometimes trigger temporary arrhythmias in susceptible individuals.

Symptoms vary widely depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia. Some people experience no symptoms, while others may feel palpitations, a fluttering sensation in the chest, skipped beats, a racing heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain. In severe cases, arrhythmias can lead to fainting or even sudden cardiac arrest.

Diagnosis typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to record the heart's electrical activity. Further tests like Holter monitoring (a portable ECG worn for 24-48 hours), event monitors, or electrophysiology studies may be used to identify the specific type of arrhythmia and its cause.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and the type of arrhythmia. Options can include lifestyle modifications like managing stress and avoiding stimulants, medications to control heart rate or rhythm, or procedures like cardioversion (using an electrical shock to reset the heart rhythm) or catheter ablation (destroying small areas of heart tissue causing the abnormal rhythm). In some cases, a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be necessary to regulate the heartbeat.