Everything you must know about irregular heartbeats

September 28, 2022 | 3 minutes read time

Cardiac arrhythmia is a disorder in which the heart beats in an irregular, sometimes uncoordinated manner. It can also beat too slowly (bradycardia), or too fast (tachycardia). Arrhythmia (or irregular heartbeats) can result from a problem with the heart’s electrical system. Moreover, it can be a temporary problem or it can be a serious, chronic condition.

In this article, the best cardiologist in Delhi explains everything you need to know about arrhythmia.

Types of Arrhythmias

• Arrhythmia is a term that encompasses a range of different heart rhythm disorders. Broadly, it is classified into:
• Tachycardia: When you have tachycardia, your heart beats at a rate of 100 or more beats per minute (bpm). This is a life-threatening condition, and you should seek medical attention immediately, the top electrophysiologist in India  advices. The most common causes of tachycardia are coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart muscle), tumours, heart valve diseases, or infections.
• Bradycardia: It is a condition where the heart rate is abnormally slow, typically less than 60 bpm, as per the leading cardiologist in Delhi. Bradycardia is the term used to describe a slow heart rate. This condition is usually not life-threatening unless it is accompanied by other symptoms. Those who are at risk for bradycardia include people with diabetes, those who have had recent surgery, those with congestive heart failure, and those who have a history of heart rhythm disturbances.

Symptoms of Arrhythmia

Listed below are the main symptoms of arrhythmia:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Feeling lightheaded or dizziness
• Heart palpitations (feeling of fluttering or skipped heartbeats)
• Weakness, fatigue, or fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Blurry vision
• Pounding in your chest
• A racing or slow heartbeat

If you notice any of these arrhythmia symptoms, call a doctor immediately.

Cardiac Arrhythmia Treatment

When a person has a cardiac arrhythmia, the treatment can vary depending on the underlying cause of the irregular heartbeats. Doctors may prescribe medications such as beta blockers to correct the problem. Of course, you must never self-medicate under any circumstances.

If needed, certain surgical treatment methods may be used to deal with arrhythmias including catheter ablation, pacemaker, or cardioverter defibrillator. This is the specialty of an electrophysiologist like Dr. Vanita.

In catheter ablation, a catheter (thin, flexible tube) is used to destroy the heart tissue that is causing the arrhythmia. On the other hand, a cardioverter defibrillator is a device that is used to stop a dangerous heart rhythm that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. It is implanted surgically into the patient’s chest.

Get the Best Treatment for Cardiac Arrhythmia

For all problems related to arrhythmia, consult the leading electrophysiologist in India – Dr. Vanita. She is currently a Senior Consultant Cardiac Electrophysiologist & Interventional Cardiologist at Apollo Hospital, Delhi.

To book your appointment with Dr. Vanita, fill this form. You can also email her at doctorvanitaarora@gmail.com or dial +91 9873879994.