Cardiac arrhythmia

Also Known As: Cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac dysrhythmia, irregular heartbeat

Cardiac arrhythmia, also known as cardiac dysrhythmia or irregular heartbeat, is a group of conditions in which the heartbeat is irregular, too fast, or too slow. A heart ratethat is too fast - above 100 beats per minute in adults - is called tachycardia and a heart rate that is too slow - below 60 beats per minute - is called bradycardia.[1] Many types of arrhythmia have no symptoms. When symptoms are present these may includepalpitations or feeling a pause between heartbeats. More seriously there may belightheadednesspassing outshortness of breath, or chest pain.[2] While most types of arrhythmia are not serious, some predispose a person to complications such as stroke orheart failure.[1][3] Others may result in cardiac arrest.[3]

If you know your type of arrythmia, please type that into CureCrowd.com to get more tareted results. 

There are four main types of arrhythmia: extra beatssupraventricular tachycardias,ventricular arrhythmias, and bradyarrhythmias. Extra beats include premature atrial contractions and premature ventricular contractions. Supraventricular tachycardias include atrial fibrillationatrial flutter, and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Ventricular arrhythmias include ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.[3][4]Arrhythmias are due to problems with the electrical conduction system of the heart.[1]Arrhythmias may occur in children; however, the normal range for the heart rate is different and depends on age.[3] A number of tests can help with diagnosis including anelectrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter monitor.[5]

Most arrhythmias can be effectively treated.[1] Treatments may include medications, medical procedures such as a pacemaker, and surgery. Medications for a fast heart rate may include beta blockers or agents that attempt to restore a normal heart rhythm such asprocainamide. This later group may have more significant side effects especially if taken for a long period of time. Pacemakers are often used for slow heart rates. Those with an irregular heartbeat are often treated with blood thinners to reduce the risk of complications. Those who have severe symptoms from an arrhythmia may receive urgent treatment with a jolt of electricity in the form of cardioversion or defibrillation.[6]

Arrhythmia affects millions of people.[7] In Europe and North America, as of 2014, atrial fibrillation affects about 2% to 3% of the population.[8] Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter resulted in 112,000 deaths in 2013, up from 29,000 in 1990.[9] Sudden cardiac death is the cause of about half of deaths due to cardiovascular disease or about 15% of all deaths globally.[10] About 80% of sudden cardiac death is the result of ventricular arrhythmias.[10] Arrhythmias may occur at any age but are more common among older people.[7]

Print this Page

All Treatments

Average Effectiveness

This is the Average effectiveness per ailment as reported by our participants (you).

Effectiveness:
  • 0 = No improvement or Worse
  • 1 = Slight improvement
  • 2 = Moderate Improvement
  • 3 = Significant Improvement
  • 4 = Cured

Order By

Type of Treatment

Date Range

Minimum Number of Users

Complete a survey on Cardiac arrhythmia to help the CureCrowd community

If you have tried to treat this ailment, please complete the following form to help us better our data, and help guide people to the best possible treatments. CureCrowd is a public resource with absolutely no vested interest in the outcomes of our studies.