Prepared By-Anoop Singhaaanoopsingh@gmail.com

CARDIAC ARRHYTHIMADepartment of Pharmacy,

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University, Agra-282002

What is a cardiac arrhythmia?The heart normally beats at a regular rhythm to supply the body’s heart, lungs, and other tissues with a steady, predictable supply of blood and oxygen. An irregular heartbeat is known as an arrhythmia, or a dysrhythmia.

Most arrhythmias are harmless, but some can be serious or even life threatening. During an arrhythmia, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body. Lack of blood flow can damage the brain, heart, and other organs.

What are the different types of arrhythmias?

There are different types of arrhythmias that include:

bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heartbeattachycardia, which is a faster than normal heartbeatatrial fibrillation, which is caused by electrical signals in the heart that cause an irregular heartbeat and cause the atrium to contract faster and more often than the ventricle contracts

Continued….ventricular fibrillation, which is caused by the ventricle contracting very fastpremature contraction, which is when the heart has an extra, early beat that makes an irregular rhythmatrial flutter, which is a condition where the heart’s atria beat too fast

Who is at risk for arrhythmia?1) Coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease is caused by a buildup of plaque or scarring on the heart or the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle. The plaque buildup makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood. This can slow heart rate, causing an arrhythmia.

2) Heart attack or heart failureHeart attacks or heart failure can change the heart’s electrical impulses, leading to an increased risk of arrhythmia.

3) EndocarditisEndocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. People with this condition often have atrial fibrillation.

4) Heart valve diseaseLeaky or weak heart valves can cause changes in the way the heart beats, which can cause arrhythmias.

5) Age, gender, and lifestyleAge, gender, and lifestyle factors can also play a role in the development of arrhythmia. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reports that people over the age of 60 are more likely to develop a more serious arrhythmia. Older people are at increased risk for heart disease and often take medications that affect the heart’s rhythm.

Other conditionsdiabeteschronic lung diseasepulmonary embolism, which is a clot that develops in the lungsemphysema, which is a disorder of the lungsasthmasleep apneathyroid disorderhigh blood pressure

What you can do now ?Check your blood pressure regularly.Exercise on a regular basis.Maintain a healthy weight.Eat a healthy diet that promotes lower cholesterol levels.If you smoke, make a commitment to start a smoking cessation program. Smoking is a major risk factor for arrhythmia.

SYMPTOMSSYMPTOMS RELATED TO DECREASE IN CARDIAC OUTPUTCHEST PRESSURE AND PAINDYSPNEAHYPOTENSIONDIZZINESSSEIZURESSYNCOPE