Arrhythmias are disorders of the regular rhythmic beating of the heart. James Martins, MD, director of Arrhythmia Service at University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Care, talks about how common and dangerous an arrhythmia can be:
What causes an irregular beat or heart arrhythmia?
There can be many causes. Heart disease is the most important one since it may lead to dangerous problems. But age can cause heart rhythm disturbances, and even normal heart anatomy can be the basis for the most common heart rhythm disturbance, which are extra beats.
In general who may experience an arrhythmia?
Anyone can experience an arrhythmia—from the fetus to the most elderly person.
Do the chances of developing an arrhythmia increase with age?
That is true, because both of the acquisition of heart disease and the effects of aging on the heart muscle.
If a person is experiencing an arrhythmia, could they feel it? What does it feel like?
Some actually feel almost every rhythm disturbance and others never feel any, despite many prominent kinds of rhythm disturbances. Those that do experience irregular heart beating may experience that sensation in the neck, in the chest, or even in the abdomen. But arrhythmias can also produce chest pain, lightheadedness, fainting, and even cardiac arrest.
Is every heart arrhythmia a danger or warning symptom of heart disease?
No. Especially if none of the symptoms I mentioned are present.
When should someone experiencing an arrhythmia be concerned?
They should be concerned, especially if they have known heart disease or a family member with a heart rhythm disturbance and symptoms.
What steps should a person who frequently experiences fluttering or skipping heartbeats do?
I think the first thing to do is to contact a doctor who may well investigate this by evaluating the electrocardiogram, doing an ultrasound evaluation of the heart and how it squeezes, and perhaps monitoring either in or out of the hospital.
If an arrhythmia is persistent, should it be considered an emergent event?
Yes, particularly if there are symptoms of chest pain, dizziness, or fainting. Or, if the rhythm disturbance lasts longer than several hours, it should be thought of as something that should require a trip to the hospital so a diagnosis can be made.
Is UI Hospitals and Clinics currently involved in any research with regard to arrhythmias?
Yes, we have many investigations. There are some basic investigations in animal models of disease. And then we also have many investigations involving patients to better diagnosis and treat arrhythmias, both with drugs and also with cardiac rhythm management devices. |
