The heart is a muscle that works like a pump. Normally the heartbeat starts in the right atrium when a special group of cells sends an electrical signal. Arrhythmias are common and usually harmless. Others cause aggravating symptoms, such as an awareness of a different heart beat, or palpitation , which can be annoying. That's not surprising when you consider that your heart beats about 100,000 times a day, or more than 2.5 billion times during the average life span. The heart beats (contracts) when an electrical impulse from the heart's "natural pacemaker" the sinoatrial or SA node moves through it. This signal spreads throughout the atria and to the atrioventricular (A-V) node. From the AV node, the impulses (signals) travel down a group of specialized fibers (the His-Purkinje system) to all parts of the ventricles. As long as the electrical impulse is transmitted normally, the heart pumps and beats at a regular pace. The electrical signal must follow this exact route for the heart to pump properly. In adults the normal heart rate ranges from 60 beats per minute to 100 beats per minute. This can cause the heart to pump less effectively. But if arrhythmias last for some time, they may cause the heart rate to be too slow or too fast or the heart rhythm to be erratic.

An arrhythmia is a change in the rhythm of your heartbeat. Most people have experienced these occasional, brief irregular heartbeats that feel like a skipped, fluttering or racing heartbeat. Cardiac dysrhythmia is technically more correct, as arrhythmia would imply that there is "no rhythm," but this term is not used frequently. An arrhythmia can also mean that your heart beats irregularly (skips a beat or has an extra beat) However, some heart arrhythmias may cause bothersome sometimes even life-threatening signs and symptoms. These occasional changes can be brought on by strong emotions or exercise. They usually are not a cause for alarm. Arrhythmias that occur more often or cause symptoms (see the box below) may be more serious and need to be discussed with your doctor.

Causes of Arrhythmias

The common Causes of Arrhythmias :

It can be caused by heart disease or high blood pressure .
Stress, caffeine, smoking, alcohol, pregnancy, and some medications can also cause an arrhythmia.
The arrhythmia may be caused by a congenital heart defect (a heart problem from birth).

Symptoms of Arrhythmias

Some Symptoms of Arrhythmias :

Shortness of breath
Sweating
Heart murmur
Chest pain
Fainting Skipping beats
Skipping beats - changes in the pattern of the pulse
Paleness
Light-headedness , dizziness
Difficulty exercising
Cardiac arrest
Slow heartbeat

Treatment of Arrhythmias

An artificial pacemaker is an electronic device placed under the skin on the chest. It helps the heart maintain a regular beat, especially when the heart beats too slowly.
Cardiac defibrillation (very brief electric shock) can be used to stop an abnormal rhythm and restore a normal one.
Surgery can correct certain types of arrhythmias. For example, arrhythmias caused by coronary artery disease may be controlled by bypass surgery. When an arrhythmia is caused by a certain area of the heart, sometimes that part of the heart can be destroyed or removed.

Bowel & Stomach Diseases

Appendicitis
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Coeliac Disease
Crohn's Disease

Heart Problems

Angina
Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Arrhythmias
Atrial Fibrillation

Infectious Diseases

Bacterial Vaginosis
Bird Flu
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Acne
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Women Diseases

Abnormal Periods
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Fatty Liver Disease
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Anorexia Nervosa
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
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