Question:
What is a heart arrhythmia?
Heart Arrhythmias
A heart arrhythmia is when the heart beats at an abnormal rhythm or pace. Some arrhythmia's can be normal while others can cause severe side effects.
Most people have felt their own heart's miss a beat or feel like it took an extra beat. Those are considered normal arrhythmia's that occur occasionally.
Many people with healthy hearts should not have an arrhythmia that is troublesome. However, outside forces may trigger an arrhythmia. Things such as drugs or an electric shock may lead to an arrhythmia.
If someone has an already weakened heart, a heart arrhythmia can be fatal. An arrhythmia occurs when the heart's electrical system isn't working correctly and beats either too slow or too fast. These arrhythmia's can develop in either the atria or the ventricles.
The symptoms of a heart arrhythmia can be any of the following:
-Fluttering in the chest
-Fast heartbeat
-Slow heartbeat
-Chest pain
-Trouble catching your breath
-Feeling lightheaded
-Feeling dizzy
-Fainting or feeling like you may faint.
These symptoms do not necessarily mean there is a serious problem with your heart. However, if you experience any of the symptoms it is best to see a physician.
Heart Disease Frequently Asked Questions
Who is at risk for heart disease?
Why is the elderly at risk for heart disease?
Who is at more risk for heart disease? Men or women?
Why does heredity put a person at risk of heart disease?
Why are people of a certain race at risk for heart disease?
Why does smoking contribute to heart disease?
How does cholesterol contribute to heart disease?
How can high blood pressure contribute to heart disease?
How does body weight contribute to heart disease?
How can not exercising and eating poorly contribute to heart disease?
What is coronary artery disease?
What is congestive heart failure?
How many women will die of a heart attack this year alone?
How many men died of heart disease in 2002?
How many Hispanic men and African American men have heart disease?
What is the number one cause of death in African American and Hispanic females?
Which countries have the lowest rate of heart disease?
What should people eat for a heart healthy diet?
How much saturated fat should be in vegetable oil or margarine?
How much fiber should adults have daily?
How much sodium intake should a healthy adult have daily?
What are some recommended diet and recipe books for those with heart disease?
How can risk factor screening help prevent heart disease?
Aspirin can reduce your risk of heart disease by how much?
How can educating yourself help prevent heart disease?
What interventions should one take if they are determined to be high risk for heart disease?
What can one drink a day help do?
What are the risk factors for heart disease?
How can I prevent getting heart disease?
How many people have heart disease?
What is fiber's effect on heart disease risk?
What are nuts effect on cholesterol levels?
What is the diet for heart disease?
What is the waist-to-hip ratio?
When will my doctor recommend cholesterol medication?
What is the metabolic syndrome?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Lynne Christen |
