The 4 types of arrhythmias: symptoms, causes and severity

Alterations in the rhythm and frequency with which the heart pumps blood, whether due to excess, deficit or irregularity, are known as arrhythmias. Although in many cases these abnormalities are not serious or cause symptoms, in others they increase the risk of heart problems such as heart attacks or sudden stops.

In this article we will detail what types of arrhythmia exist and what are the causes, symptoms and severity from each of them. It should be noted that some types of arrhythmia can pose a health hazard even when they do not produce symptoms.

• You may be interested: "10 essential tips to reduce stress"

What are arrhythmias?

Arrhythmia is the name given to heart rhythm and rate disorders. These alterations may consist of an increase, decrease, or irregularity in the speed of the heartbeat.

We speak of tachycardia when the heart rate and / or rate are significantly increased (more than 100 beats per minute in adults), while if there is a slowdown (less than 60 beats per minute) we will be facing a case of bradycardia.

Its severity is variable: while some arrhythmias are harmless, others can be symptoms of problems circulatory systems or even pose a short-term health risk, increasing the likelihood from suffer heart attacks or cardiac arrest.

If the problems are severe, the treatment of arrhythmias usually consists of giving medicines anticoagulants or beta-blockers, cardiac surgery or, in cases of bradycardia, the implantation of a pacemaker. Each of the different types of arrhythmia is treated in a different way, since the alterations can be opposite to each other.

• Related article: "Your health depends on your personality type (science proves it)"

Causes of these alterations

Arrhythmias are due to disturbances in the electrical impulses of the heart. These abnormalities can be caused by the appearance of supplementary electrical signals, the blockage or delay of electrical conduction or the propagation of these impulses through pathways inadequate.

Although they can occur at any age, arrhythmias are more common in the elderly. In many cases they are influenced by congenital problems in the morphology of the heart or diseases such as arterial hypertension, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism or insufficiency cardiac.

The most common causes of tachycardia are the consumption and abuse of medications and stimulant substances, such as antidepressants, the antipsychotics, cocaine, alcohol and caffeine. Continued stress also favors the appearance of tachycardias. As for bradycardia, it usually occurs as a consequence of atrioventricular or cardiac blocks.

Symptoms and signs

In many cases, arrhythmias produce no detectable symptoms or signs, beyond the alteration in heart rhythm or rate itself. Even asymptomatic arrhythmias can predispose to the appearance of problems and accidents heart disease, for example by forming clots that make it difficult to transport blood to the heart.

People with arrhythmia often notice palpitations or pauses between each heartbeat. These can be more or less frequent and occur continuously or intermittently.

In more severe cases of arrhythmia, symptoms such as fainting or syncope, breathing difficulties, sweating, paleness, lightheadedness and lightheadedness or chest pain. Also, the more severe the arrhythmia, the greater the likelihood of cardiac arrest, heart attack, or sudden death.

Types of arrhythmia and their severity

There are four main types of arrhythmia. Each of them is made up of a series of alterations of varying severity.

1. Extrasystoles

Extrasystoles consist of extra beats arising from electrical impulses that propagate inappropriately throughout the heart. Is about premature ventricular contractionsfollowed by a compensatory pause.

This type of arrhythmia is the most common of all and is usually not dangerous, so it generally does not require treatment. Normally, extrasystoles are asymptomatic, although people who suffer from them may notice agitation in the chest or the sensation that the heart skips some beats.

2. Supraventricular arrhythmias

This type of arrhythmia is characterized by the appearance of tachycardias in the atria of the heart or in the atrioventricular node, which as its name suggests is located between the ventricles and the atria.

Among supraventricular arrhythmias, the most common subtype is atrial fibrillationRapid, irregular contractions attributed to severe severity since they indicate that the heart is not pumping blood properly. They predispose to the appearance of episodes of heart failure and cerebrovascular accidents.

3. Ventricular arrhythmias

Ventricular arrhythmias cause approximately 80% of all deaths from sudden heart failure, so they are considered a serious form of this disorder and often warrant medical intervention, especially when the episodes are of long duration.

Among the factors that promote the appearance of ventricular arrhythmias, the presence of heart disease, weakening of your muscles, and having had heart attacks with anteriority.

4. Bradyarrhythmias

These arrhythmias consist of bradycardias, that is, a slowing down of the heart rate or rhythm. When they are intense, the blood does not reach the brain in the necessary amount, so it can cause dizziness and even syncope. In general we can say that its severity is less than that of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias.

Some of the most common causes of bradyarrhythmia are aging, hypothyroidism, heart attacks, or the use of drugs such as beta-blockers. However, some people, especially if they are physically fit, tend to have a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute; in these cases bradycardia is not a problem.