The heart beats due to electrical impulses generated from two nodes present in it. These impulses are produced at regular intervals and as a result, the heart beats in a rhythmic pattern. Any change in our body that causes these impulses to become irregular affects the heart and as a result, the heart may beat faster /slower or beat irregularly. This irregularity is called Cardiac Arrhythmia. According to cardiac electrophysiologists, there are many causes for Arrhythmia.
The heart has two nodes the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node. The SA node generates impulses and hence it is rightly termed as the heart’s natural pacemaker because the rest of the cardiac rhythm depends on the initial impulse.
The impulse from the SA node goes to the AV node and one heartbeat is produced and the cardiac cycle continues. If the electrical signals are not generated or sent rhythmically, a Cardiac Arrhythmia may occur.
Here are some key causes.
Once you know the cause for Arrhythmia, you need to identify the type of Arrhythmia. Before we get to that remember that the rate at which the heart beats is around 72 bpm (beats per minute)
For a person who has Bradycardia, his/her heart beats very slowly lesser than 60 beats per minute. This could indicate that the heart’s natural pacemaker is defective and the signals produced are disrupted. The heart’s ability to pump sufficient blood is impaired. On the contrary very fit individuals like athletes have a lower heart rate. This is because the body gets sufficient blood supply at a lower heart rate thus avoiding the need for the heart to work harder.
If a person has tachycardia his/her heart beats very fast. The heart rate exceeds 100 bpm. In this case the heart’s natural pacemaker sends signals very quickly thus making the heart work more. In contrast to bradycardia a person who has tachycardia is always at risk of a disorder of any kind. As the heart beats very fast, the heart chambers are not filled with sufficient blood before they send It out to the body and this could cause fibrillation (cardiac arrest).
Conditions such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular fibrillation triggered by tachycardia should be addressed immediately, as they could potentially lead to cardiac arrest. Swift treatment by a heart specialist, often including external defibrillation, is required to stabilize the heart. As you can observe, tachycardia is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. It is highly recommended to seek treatment as soon as an arrhythmia is diagnosed. Leading a healthy lifestyle and maintaining fitness is also crucial for heart health. Visit Kauvery Hospital, with branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy for expert care and treatment.
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1. What initiates a heartbeat?
The heart beats due to electrical impulses generated by the sinoatrial (SA) and atrioventricular (AV) nodes.
2. What is cardiac arrhythmia?
Cardiac arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat caused by disruptions in the heart’s electrical impulses.
3. What causes arrhythmia?
Causes include blocked arteries, thyroid issues, smoking, heart attacks, and excess caffeine, alcohol, or drug use.
4. What is bradycardia?
Bradycardia is a condition where the heart beats very slowly, less than 60 beats per minute.
5. What is tachycardia?
Tachycardia is a condition where the heart beats very fast, exceeding 100 beats per minute.
6. Why is tachycardia dangerous?
Tachycardia can lead to fibrillation and potentially cardiac arrest, requiring immediate medical attention.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
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