Heart Rhythm Disorders (cont.)
Atrial flutter
Atrial flutter is similar to atrial fibrillation except that instead of having chaotic
electrical firing from all points in the atrium, one point has become irritated
and can fire 300 times per minute or more. The issues that exist for atrial
fibrillation apply to atrial flutter. Atrial flutter may degenerate into atrial
fibrillation.
Bradycardia
Aside from medications that are meant to slow the heart for treatment of a
variety of medical problems, bradycardia (brady=slow + cardia=heart) is usually
due to heart block and the aging of the electrical wiring of the heart. This is
no different than the aging of your home's electrical system, but instead of
being able to rewire the heart; these conditions may need to be treated with an
implantable pacemaker.
Heart blocks
Heart blocks involving the ventricle may be asymptomatic and of little
consequence except to point to underlying heart or lung disease. They are
diagnosed by EKG.
Heart blocks involving the atrium can be classified as first, second, and
third degree.
- First degree heart block is common and of little significance.
There is a slight delay in getting the electrical signal from the SA node to the
AV node, but the heart functions normally.
- There are two types of second degree
heart block (Mobitz I and Mobitz II) but only the Mobitz II type can be a
precursor to a life threatening rhythm problem.
- Third degree heart block describes the complete
loss of connection between the electrical activity of the atrium and the
ventricle. Second and third degree heart blocks are diagnosed by analyzing heart
rhythm strips and EKGs.
Heart blocks are symptomatic because the heart beats so slowly that cardiac
output is decreased. The symptoms may include lightheadedness or passing out
(syncope), weakness, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening heart block happen at the same
time. Often a temporary pacemaker may be placed to stabilize the patient, and then
decisions are made as to what type of permanent solution is appropriate.
Next: When should I seek medical care? »
- Beta Blockers - Learn more about Beta Blockers, a drug that treats angina and other heart rhythm disorders, migraines, high blood pressure, panic attacks, and tremors. Generic and brand names are included in the article.
- Electrolytes - Read about blood electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicorbonate) and the effects of electrolyte imbalances like kidney failure, low blood pressure, hypokalemia, and hyperkalemia.
- Low Blood Pressure - Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension). Low blood pressure is blood pressure below normal and symptoms may include: lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). There are many causes of low blood pressure, and treatment is dependant upon the cause.
Latest Medical News
Heart RSS