

If you have an arrhythmia that affects your driving, you must tell the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). ICD – a device similar to a pacemaker that monitors your heart rhythm and shocks your heart back into a normal rhythm whenever this is needed.pacemaker – a small device containing its own battery that is implanted in your chest under local anaesthetic it produces electrical signals to do the work of the natural pacemaker in your heart to help it beat at a normal rate.catheter ablation – a keyhole treatment under local or general anaesthetic that carefully destroys the diseased tissue in your heart that causes the arrhythmia.cardioversion – a treatment that uses electricity to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm while you are anaesthetised or sedated.medication – to stop or prevent an arrhythmia or control the rate of an arrhythmia.The treatments used for arrhythmias include: Any underlying causes of your arrhythmia, such as heart failure, will need to be treated as well. How your arrhythmia will be treated will depend on whether it is a fast or slow arrhythmia or heart block. echocardiogram (echo) – an ultrasound scan of your heart.electrophysiological (EP) study – a test to find problems with the electrical signals in your heart by passing soft wires up a vein in your leg and into your heart while you are sedated.cardiac event recorder – a device to record occasional symptoms over a period of time whenever you have them.Other tests used in diagnosing arrhythmias include:

If your symptoms seem to be triggered by exercise, an exercise ECG may be needed to record your heart rhythm while you are using a treadmill or exercise bike. This is called a Holter monitor or ambulatory ECG monitoring.
IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT PORTABLE
This may involve wearing a small portable ECG recording device for 24 hours or longer. If the ECG doesn't find a problem, you may need further monitoring of your heart. The most effective way to diagnose an arrhythmia is with an electrical recording of your heart rhythm called an electrocardiogram (ECG). If your symptoms persist or there's a history of unexplained sudden death in your family, it's important for your GP to refer you to a heart specialist.

These abnormalities range from a minor inconvenience or discomfort to a potentially fatal problem. It may beat too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly. An arrhythmia is an abnormality of the heart's rhythm. The heart's rhythm is controlled by electrical signals. You can also make lifestyle changes so you avoid some of the triggers for your heart rhythm problem. Treatment aims to prevent future episodes. However, a healthy lifestyle can lower your risk of developing a heart condition. It is not always possible to prevent an arrhythmia developing. certain over-the-counter and prescribed medications.Some of these deaths could be avoided if the arrhythmias were diagnosed earlier.Ĭommon triggers for an arrhythmia include: Having atrial fibrillation means your risk of stroke is five times higher than for someone whose heart rhythm is normal.Ĭertain types of arrhythmia occur in people with severe heart conditions. You may also be at risk of developing an arrhythmia if your heart tissue is damaged because of an illness – for example, if you have had a heart attack or have heart failure.Ītrial fibrillation is a common cause of stroke. However, atrial fibrillation is more common in older people.ĭrinking alcohol in excess or being overweight increases your risk of developing atrial fibrillation. extrasystoles/ectopic beats (extra heartbeats)Īrrhythmias can affect all age groups.ventricular fibrillation – a rare, rapid and disorganised rhythm of heartbeats that rapidly leads to loss of consciousness and sudden death if not treated immediately.heart block – the heart beats more slowly than normal and can cause people to collapse.bradycardia – the heart beats more slowly than normal.supraventricular tachycardia/ventricular tachycardia – episodes of abnormally fast heart rate at rest.atrial fibrillation (AF) – this is the most common type, where the heart beats irregularly and faster than normal.The most common types of arrhythmia include: You should see your GP if you have any of these symptoms. However, having these symptoms does not always mean you have a heart rhythm problem. palpitations (being aware of your heartbeat, and feeling it unusual).This page has information on common types of arrhythmia and symptoms linked to the condition. Most people with an abnormal heart rhythm can lead a normal life if it's diagnosed and treated. The heart may beat too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly. An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm.
