Complications depend on the type of arrhythmia. In general, complications of heart arrhythmias may include stroke, sudden death and heart failure. Heart arrhythmias are associated with an increased risk of blood clots. If a clot breaks loose, it can travel from the heart to the brain, causing a stroke.
The principal cause of sudden death is the occurrence of malignant cardiac arrhythmias, which result in the loss of contraction of the heart with subsequent lack of blood supply to vital organs like the brain.
If not treated, arrhythmias can damage the heart, brain, or other organs. This can lead to life-threatening stroke, heart failure, or cardiac arrest. During cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, causing death if it is not treated within minutes.
Ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia and prolonged pauses or asystole are dangerous. Arrhythmias associated with very low potassium or magnesium or those associated with inherited causes such as QT prolongation are also serious.
While PVCs are normally harmless, certain types of arrhythmias, like atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation (VFib), can lead to cardiac arrest and heart attack. VFib can paralyze the heart—making it unable to pump blood. If left untreated, VFib can lead to cardiac arrest.
When to see a doctor. If you feel like your heart is beating too fast or too slowly, or it's skipping a beat, make an appointment to see a doctor. Seek immediate medical help if you have shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting or near fainting, and chest pain or discomfort.
Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib) is the most serious arrhythmia and is a life threatening medical emergency. Disordered electrical signals in the heart cause the ventricles to quiver instead of pumping normally. This quiver is known as fibrillation.
Both atrial fibrillation and anxiety can lead to irregular heart rhythms, known as arrhythmia. Anxiety may contribute to some heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation.
Without treatment, atrial fibrillation (A-fib) can lower a person's life expectancy due to the risk of serious complications. However, with proper treatment, people with A-fib can often lead long, healthy lives. Heart rhythm involves a synchronized pumping action, or beating, of the four chambers of the heart.
The good news is that although AF is a long-term condition, if managed correctly, you can continue to lead a long and active life. There are a number of steps you can take that will help you manage your condition, lower your risk of stroke and relieve any worries you may have.
Untreated AFib can raise your risk for problems like a heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, which could shorten your life expectancy.
Is sudden cardiac death painful? Some people have chest pain during the initial seconds of sudden cardiac arrest. However, once you lose consciousness, you don't feel pain.
Two lethal arrhythmias that cause Sudden Cardiac Arrest include ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
More than 850,000 people in the United States are hospitalized for an arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) each year. Left untreated, an arrhythmia can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening, health problems.
This video will provide important information on the following lethal arrhythmias: Ventricular Tachycardia, Ventricular Fibrillation, Asystole, and Pulseless Electrical Activity.
Living with an arrhythmia may cause fear, anxiety, depression, and stress. Talk about how you feel with your healthcare team. Talking to a professional counselor can also help. If you are depressed, you may need medicines or other treatments that can improve your quality of life.
The most obvious symptom of atrial fibrillation is heart palpitations – where the heart feels like it's pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly, often for a few seconds or possibly a few minutes.
People who have heart failure often will develop arrhythmia, and vice versa, suggesting that each can be a risk for the other. Heart failure patients experience "a lot of strain," says Dr. Shah. This strain can lead to a type of arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation (AFib), in which the heart beats irregularly.
Although heart arrhythmia can be fatal, early detection and receiving treatment from a specialist can reduce its severity with a chance of permanent cure.
Exercise regularly. Exercise can improve overall cardiovascular health and help restore the heart's natural rhythm. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety. Cardiovascular exercise helps strengthen the heart, which can prevent or reduce palpitations.
During emotional stress there is lateralization of cerebral activity. This leads to asymmetrical stimulation of the heart, producing areas of inhomogeneous repolarization, creating electrical instability. This in turn facilitates the development of cardiac arrhythmias.
Try relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing. Avoid stimulants. Caffeine, nicotine, some cold medicines and energy drinks can make the heart beat too fast or irregularly. Avoid illegal drugs.