Irregular heart rhythm
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Irregular heart rhythm
Irregular heart rhythms are common and may be caused by stress, fatigue, or overuse of alcohol or stimulants, such as caffeine or nicotine. Home treatment is usually all that is needed to relieve minor rhythm changes.
Exercise can also cause an irregular heart rhythm, but the rhythm usually returns to normal within minutes after the exercise stops. An irregular rhythm with shortness of breath that continues for an extended period of time after physical activity may be a sign of a more serious problem. If you have palpitations, an irregular heart rhythm, lightheadedness, or fainting brought on by exercise, call your doctor for an evaluation.
Other changes in heart rhythm can be more serious. Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm. It causes the heart's upper chambers to beat irregularly, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle and to the rest of the body. Atrial fibrillation increases your chance of having a stroke or a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Irregular rhythms in the lower heart chambers (ventricular arrhythmias) are the most life-threatening irregular heart rhythms. They usually cause fainting (syncope) within seconds, and you may have symptoms of a heart attack. Emergency medical treatment is needed, such as medications and electrical shock (defibrillation).
If you have heart disease, heart failure, or have had a heart attack, it is especially important to understand how serious an irregular heart rhythm can be. This is especially true if it occurs with shortness of breath when you are resting or after mild exertion. Call your doctor if you have a sudden change in your usual heart rate or rhythm.
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Last Updated | April 27, 2007 |
| Last updated: | April 27, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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