rytmivirheinä

Rytmihäiriö is a Finnish term that translates to "arrhythmia" in English, referring to irregular heartbeats. This condition encompasses a wide range of heart rhythm disorders, where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or with an irregular pattern. Arrhythmias can originate from issues with the heart's electrical system, which controls the timing of heartbeats, or from underlying heart disease.

Symptoms of arrhythmias vary greatly depending on the type and severity. Some individuals may experience no noticeable symptoms, while others might feel palpitations, a fluttering sensation in the chest, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or chest pain. Certain arrhythmias can be harmless, while others can be serious and lead to complications such as stroke or heart failure.

The diagnosis of an arrhythmia 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, event recorders, echocardiograms, or electrophysiology studies may also be employed.

Treatment for arrhythmias depends on the specific type, its cause, and the severity of symptoms. Options can range from lifestyle modifications and medications to electrical cardioversion or surgical procedures like catheter ablation or pacemaker implantation. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial for preventing potential complications and improving the quality of life for individuals with heart rhythm disorders.