Ventricular arrhythmia is a condition where a person suffers from abnormal heart rhythms that originate from the ventricles. The following article provides a brief overview about the same.
The heart pumps blood by contraction and relaxation of its four chambers. These contractions and relaxations occur due to electrical impulses sent by the heart muscles. When the electrical impulses are disturbed, it leads to fast, slow or abnormal rhythms, which causes the heart to pump blood less effectively.
Most of the time, arrhythmias are benign and temporary in occurrence. When they turn into a regular occurrence, it leads to life-threatening conditions. There are two categories of arrhythmias: (i) ventricular arrhythmia, where the two lower chambers of the heart are affected; (ii) and supraventricular arrhythmia, where the two upper chambers are affected.
What is Ventricular Arrhythmia
It is a heart condition where irregular heart rhythms and heartbeats originate from the ventricles of the heart, and is classified into ventricular tachycardia, ventricular bradycardia, and ventricular fibrillation. Tachycardia refers to a heart rate more than 100 beats/minute, whereas bradycardia is characterized by a heart rate less than 60 beats/minute. Ventricular fibrillation is a condition where the heart beats fast, but does not follow a particular rhythm.
Causes
Irregular and/or uncoordinated electrical impulses originating in the lower chambers of the heart, lead to ventricular arrhythmia. This may be the result of medication, caffeine, nicotine, altered sodium or potassium levels in the blood, as well as cardiac conditions like scarring of heart muscles, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, valvular heart disease, and congenital heart diseases.
Symptoms
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- Fainting spells
- Low blood pressure
- Excessive sweating
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
If one experiences these symptoms, they should visit a heart specialist for further diagnosis. This condition can lead to sudden death, and therefore should not be neglected.
Treatment
The treatment includes the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). This is a device that is implanted in the chest, to sense ventricular tachycardia. When ventricular tachycardia occurs, electrical signals are sent by the device to bring the heart rhythms back to normal. Cardiac ablation is a surgical procedure used to destroy heart muscles that lead to arrhythmia. Patients are suggested to follow a low-sodium and low-cholesterol diet, as well as regular exercise to maintain a healthy heart.
If one experiences these symptoms, visit a doctor immediately. Based on the causes, and the severity of the condition, the doctor will suggest the correct treatment. Keep your heart healthy by following a healthy lifestyle.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.
