Heart Arrhythmia Types

Heart Arrhythmia Types

There are a number of different types of heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), some of which may be harmless and have no symptoms. Others are serious and can be life threatening if left untreated.

Personal Safety Alarms In a normal heart, electrical signals follow precise pathways and impulses to coordinate the contraction of the heart muscle, which pumps blood around your body. Any interruption to these pathways or impulses can cause an arrhythmia.

Tachycardia, or fast heartbeat, is one of the most common types of heart arrhythmias. It occurs when the electrical signals that normally travel from the sinus node, or top right chamber of the heart, to the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart, do not work properly.

Bradycardia, or slow heartbeat, is another type of heart arrhythmia. It occurs when the electrical signals that normally send a signal to the ventricles to contract don't work correctly.

Atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, is a heart rhythm problem that starts in the upper chambers of the heart (the atria). It causes an irregular and rapid heart beat. This condition can cause blood to pool in the atria and form clots. These clots can break loose, leading to a stroke that could be fatal.

Supraventricular arrhythmias, or SVTs, are a group of different arrhythmias that start in the atrium or upper chamber of the heart above the ventricles. They include atrial tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

There are many types of treatment for each kind of arrhythmia. The type and severity of your arrhythmia and your other health conditions will help your doctor recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.