An abnormal heart rhythm is a symptom of a wide variety of diseases, disorders and conditions that cause the heart to beat in way that is irregular, too rapid (tachycardia), too slow ($bradycardia) and/or not at all (asystole). Abnormal heart rhythms can be mild to severe to life-threatening.
Heart rhythm is controlled by the electrical conduction system of the heart. A healthy electrical conduction system causes the chambers of the heart to contract and pump blood in a steady efficient manner that maintains a normal blood pressure and good blood circulation. An abnormal heart rhythm can result when the electrical conduction system is damaged or stimulated abnormally due to certain diseases and disorders, such as heart disease or hyperthyroidism. Some athletes can develop a healthy abnormal heart rhythm (bradycardia).
An abnormal heart rhythm can occur in any age group or population, but people most at risk include those who have a history of heart valve disorders, cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure and hypothyroidism. Other conditions that can result in an abnormal heart rhythm include electrolyte imbalance, smoking, excessive exercise, alcoholism and drinking too much caffeine. Abnormal heart rhythms can also be a side effect of stimulant drugs, such as certain diet drugs, and some street drugs, such as cocaine.
An abnormal heart rhythm can be acute and appear relatively suddenly, such as the rapid abnormal heart rhythm that occurs with paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia (PSVT). Abnormal heart rhythm can also be ongoing and chronic, such as when an elderly person develops atrial fibrillation.
Other potentially serious types of abnormal heart rhythms include paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, atrial flutter and second degree heart block. Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms include ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, which can lead to cardiac arrest. In cardiac arrest the heart has stopped beating or is beating too inefficiently to sustain life.
Symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm include chest pain and palpitations. Complications of an abnormal heart rhythm can be life-threatening. For more details about symptoms and complications, see symptoms of abnormal heart rhythm.
Diagnosing abnormal heart rhythm and its root cause begins with taking a thorough personal and family medical history, including symptoms, and completing a physical examination. Diagnostic testing includes an EKG, which creates a picture of the heart's electrical activity and rhythm. A long-term portable telemetry EKG device may also be worn.
Other tests may include a chest X-ray, echocardiogram and blood cardiac assay tests, which can help identify damage to the heart. A diagnosis of abnormal heart rhythm and its cause can easily be delayed or missed because some people may be unaware that they have the disorder. For information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis of abnormal heart rhythm.
Treatment of abnormal heart rhythm varies depending on the type and cause of the disorder. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of abnormal heart rhythm....more »
Abnormal heart rhythm: An abnormal way of the heart beating. See free access online books about Abnormal heart rhythm below. See detailed information below for a list of 271 causes of Abnormal heart rhythm, including diseases and drug side effect causes.
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Diagnosing abnormal heart rhythm and its cause may be delayed or missed because the symptoms may not be severe or bothersome enough for a person to seek medical care. Some people may be unaware that they are experiencing symptoms of abnormal heart rhythm. In addition, some symptoms of abnormal heart rhythm, such as palpitations and lightheadedness may be attributed to other ...more »
See all 271 causes of Abnormal heart rhythm
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The first step in treating abnormal heart rhythm is prevention. This includes not smoking, not using illegal drugs or abusing prescription stimulant medications and moderating caffeine and alcohol intake.
Once an abnormal heart rhythm develops, a treatment plan is individualized to the cause, the presence of coexisting and underlying diseases, the age of the patient, and other factors. ...Abnormal heart rhythm Treatments
Review further information on Abnormal heart rhythm Treatments.
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The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible
causes of Abnormal heart rhythm as a symptom.
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including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.
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medications causing Abnormal heart rhythm
When combined, certain drugs, medications, substances or toxins may react causing Abnormal heart rhythm as a symptom. Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.
See full list of 4235 drug interactions causing Abnormal heart rhythm
Some of the comorbid or associated medical symptoms for Abnormal heart rhythm may include these symptoms:
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Rare heart condition often undiagnosed: The rare heart condition called long QT syndrome can lead to episodes of palpitations and rapid heartbeat. In rare cases, this undiagnosed condition...read more »
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Read more about Misdiagnosis and Abnormal heart rhythm
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Medical Books Excerpts Read excertps from published book sections related to Abnormal heart rhythm from the following published medical books for more detailed information about Abnormal heart rhythm. Free access (no registration): read all online diagnostic book sections about Abnormal heart rhythm
Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
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Other medical conditions listed in the Disease Database as possible
causes of Abnormal heart rhythm as a symptom include:
See full list of 271
causes of Abnormal heart rhythm
- (Source - Diseases Database)
An abnormal rate of muscle contractions in the heart.
- (Source - Diseases Database)
The list below shows some of the causes of Abnormal heart rhythm mentioned in various sources:
See full list of 271 causes of Abnormal heart rhythm
This information refers to the general prevalence and incidence of these diseases, not to how likely they are to be the actual cause of Abnormal heart rhythm. Of the 271 causes of Abnormal heart rhythm that we have listed, we have the following prevalence/incidence information:
See the analysis of the prevalence of 271 causes of Abnormal heart rhythm
The following list of conditions have 'Abnormal heart rhythm' or similar listed as a symptom in our database. This computer-generated list may be inaccurate or incomplete. Always seek prompt professional medical advice about the cause of any symptom.
The following list of conditions have 'Abnormal heart rhythm' or similar listed as a complication in our database. The distinction between a symptom and complication is not always clear, and conditions mentioning this symptom as a complication may also be relevant. This computer-generated list may be inaccurate or incomplete. Always seek prompt professional medical advice about the cause of any symptom.
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Arrhythmias, Dysrhythmias, Irregular heart beat, Cardiac arrhythmia
- (Source - Diseases Database)
Medical Conditions associated with Abnormal heart rhythm:
Heart rhythm symptoms (1497 causes), Heart symptoms (2631 causes), Cardiovascular symptoms (2892 causes)
Symptoms related to Abnormal heart rhythm:
Heart sounds (215 causes), Palpitations (480 causes), Arrhythmias (124 causes), Heart symptoms (2631 causes), Slow heartbeat (28 causes), Fast heartbeat, Congenital heart disease (51 causes), Left ventricular failure, Pacemaker defects, Atrial flutter, Atrial fibrillation (23 causes), Ventricular tachycardia, Supraventricular tachycardia
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