Arrhythmia Explanation
General Arrhythmias: An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. Tachycardia is when the heart beats faster than normal. When the heart beats too slowly, it is called bradycardia. The most common type of arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation, which causes an irregular and fast heartbeat.
Brugada Syndrome: Brugada syndrome is a condition that causes a disruption of the heart’s normal rhythm. Specifically, this disorder can lead to irregular heartbeats in the heart’s ventricles, which is an abnormality called ventricular arrhythmia. If untreated, the irregular heartbeats can cause fainting, seizures, difficulty breathing, or sudden death. These complications typically occur when an affected person is resting or asleep.
CPVT: Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a condition characterized by arrhythmia. As the heart rate increases in response to physical activity or emotional stress, it can trigger an abnormally fast heartbeat called ventricular tachycardia. Episodes of ventricular tachycardia can cause light-headedness, dizziness, and fainting. In people with CPVT, these episodes typically begin in childhood. If CPVT is not recognized and treated, an episode of ventricular tachycardia may cause cardiac arrest, leading to sudden death.
A Doctor’s Perspective
Arrhythmias including Long QT syndrome or Brugada syndrome. These are rare genetic mutations of electrolyte channels that prevent electricity in the heart from conducting correctly. Symptoms include palpitations, fainting, seizure-like episodes, or cardiac arrest. Diagnosis includes obtaining an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). -Dr. Danielle Kelvas, MD.
