Heart Arrhythmia: Cardiologist Explains The 7 Types Of Cardiac Arrhythmia And Their Symptoms

Cardiac arrhythmia is divide into slow rate heart arrythmia and fast rate. Dr. Dora says, "The threat of this heart problem ranges from harmless to life-threatening which is why it is important to understand its types and symptoms."

What is cardiac arrhythmia or heart arrythmia? According to Mayo Clinic, heart arrhythmia is referred to as irregular heartbeat. In this case, a person's heartbeat can either be too slow or too fast. No matter what the pace is like, the cause is the same. It happens when the electrical signals that regulates the heart rhythm stops functioning properly. It leads to too slow heartbeat or fast heartbeat or inconsistent heartbeat. The heart's rhythm is controlled by electrical signals that travel through the heart muscle. When these signals are disrupted, it can result in an arrhythmia. Experts say that at times, these heart beats are not life threatening but it may also be. The threat ranges from harmless to life-threatening, making it crucial for people to understand their symptoms, causes, and available treatments.

7 Types Of Heart Arrythmia

Doctor Santosh Kumar Dora, Senior Cardiologist, Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai spoke to TheHealthsite.com on the different types of heart arrythmia's and the symptoms that follow along with them.

5 Types Of Fast Heart Rate Arrythmia

Dr. Dora says that there are 5 types of fast heart rate arrythmia. The rate of them varies from each other but on an average, the heart beat is very fast and irregular. Read on to learn in further details:

• Supraventricular tachycardia: "A type of arrhythmia where both atria and ventricle beat at a fast rate having 1: 1 relationship. The heart rate commonly varies from 150 to 220/min," said Dr. Dora.
• Atrial flutter: A type of arrhythmia where atria beats at a very fast rate that is 250 to 300/min. Ventricle beats at half or one-third of the atrial rate.
• Atrial fibrillation: A type of arrhythmia where atria beats at a very high rate and in a chaotic manner. Usually the atrial rate is irregular and fast i.e. 300 to 350/min. Ventricle rate usually varies from 150 to 200/min.
• Ventricular tachycardia: This is a dangerous type of arrhythmia originating from lower chamber of heart. The rate usually varies from 150 to 250/min. This can lead to cardiac arrest.
• Ventricular fibrillation:Dr. Dora says, "This is the most dangerous type of arrhythmia which is synonymous with cardiac arrest and if not reverted to normal rhythm in few mins, can lead to death."

2 Types Of Slow Rate Arrythmia

Dr. Dora explains the two types of slow rate heart arrythmia:

• Sinus bradycardia: A type of arrhythmia where heart beats at a slower rate, usually below 60/min.
• Atrio-ventricular block: A type of arrhythmia where although upper chamber beats at a normal rate, the electricity does not pass to the ventricle in a normal 1:1 fashion leading to various type of AV block. It leads to lower ventricular rate.

What Are The Common Symptoms To Watch Out For?

Symptoms of arrhythmias can vary widely from one patient to another. Some people may experience no symptoms at all, while others might notice:

• Heart palpitations. You may feel skipped heartbeats or fluttering.
• A patient may feel dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Chest pain.
• Fatigue.
• Shortness of breath.
• In some severe cases patient may faint or collapse.