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Cardiac Arrhythmias

Disturbances of the heart's electrical conduction that cause the heart to beat too fast, too slowly, or irregularly.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Cardiac Arrhythmias?

Cardiac arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms caused by disturbances in the heart's electrical conduction system, making the heart beat faster, slower, or more irregularly than normal.

Arrhythmias may be of ventricular or supraventricular origin. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation are among the most common clinically significant forms.

They span a spectrum from benign premature beats to life-threatening ventricular fibrillation. The ECG and Holter monitoring are the core diagnostic tools.

Symptoms

Palpitations and a rapid heartbeat
An irregular pulse
Dizziness and lightheadedness
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or tightness
Fainting or loss of consciousness (syncope)
Sudden death (in severe ventricular arrhythmias)

Risk Factors

Coronary artery disease and prior heart attack
Heart failure and cardiomyopathy
Hypertension and valvular heart disease
Electrolyte disturbances (low K, low Mg)
Thyroid disease
Excessive caffeine, alcohol, or stimulant use
Inherited channelopathies (long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Go to the emergency department for palpitations resulting in fainting or loss of consciousness
  • If palpitations are accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath
  • For Holter monitoring when palpitations are recurrent
  • For genetic screening if there is a family history of sudden cardiac death
  • To consider ablation if an arrhythmia is not responding to medication

Treatment Methods

01
Antiarrhythmic drug therapy (selected by arrhythmia type)
02
Electrical cardioversion (in acute hemodynamically unstable arrhythmias)
03
Catheter ablation (an effective curative treatment for SVT, AF, and some VT)
04
ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator — to lower the risk of sudden death)
05
Pacemaker implantation (in bradyarrhythmias)
06
Treatment of the underlying cause (electrolyte replacement, thyroid treatment, etc.)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

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Hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure readings remain above 140/90 mmHg; early treatment helps prevent serious complications.

Coronary Artery Disease

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Narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack.

Heart Failure

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Heart failure is a chronic cardiac condition characterized by shortness of breath, leg swelling, and fatigue.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

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A heart attack is a medical emergency; because heart muscle is lost by the minute, immediate intervention saves lives.

Atrial Fibrillation

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Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia characterized by an irregular heartbeat and increased risk of stroke.

Heart Palpitations

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Palpitations are usually due to benign causes, but underlying cardiac rhythm disorders must be ruled out.

Heart Valve Diseases

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Valve stenosis or regurgitation increases the workload of the heart and, over time, can lead to heart failure.

Aortic Aneurysm

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Aortic aneurysms are often silent; early diagnosis allows treatment before rupture (a life-threatening tear).

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.