The 4 types of arrhythmias: symptoms, causes and severity

Alterations in the rhythm at which the heart beats can present themselves in different forms.

Alterations in the rhythm and frequency with which the heart pumps blood, whether due to excess, deficit or irregularity, are known as arrhythmias. Although in many cases these abnormalities are not serious and do not produce symptoms, in others they increase the risk of heart problems such as heart attacks or sudden stops.

In this article we will detail what types of arrhythmia exist and what are the causes, symptoms and severity of each one. symptoms and severity of each of them. It is worth bearing in mind that some types of arrhythmia can pose a health hazard even when they do not produce symptoms.

What are arrhythmias?

"Arrhythmia" is the name given to heart rhythm and heart rate disorders. disorders of the heart rhythm and heart rate. These alterations may consist of an increase, decrease or irregularity in the speed of the heartbeat.

We speak of tachycardia when there is a significant increase in heart rate and/or frequency (more than 100 beats per minute in adults), while if there is a slowing down (less than 60 beats per minute) we are dealing with a case of bradycardia.

Their seriousness varies: while some arrhythmias are harmless, others may be a symptom of more serious circulatory problems or even pose a short-term health risk, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks or cardiac arrest..

If the problems are severe, treatment of arrhythmias usually consists of anticoagulant or beta-blocking drugs, cardiac surgery or, in cases of bradycardia, the implantation of a pacemaker. Each of the different types of arrhythmia is treated in a different way, since the alterations can be opposite to each other.

Causes of these alterations

Arrhythmias are due to alterations in the electrical impulses of the heart. These abnormalities can be caused by the appearance of supplementary electrical signals, the blockage or delay of electrical conduction or the propagation of these impulses through inadequate pathways.

Although they can occur at any age, arrhythmias are more common in older people. more common in the elderly.. In many cases they are influenced by congenital problems in the morphology of the heart or diseases such as arterial hypertension, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism or heart failure.

The most common causes of tachycardia are are the consumption and abuse of stimulant drugs and substances, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, cocaine, alcohol and caffeine. Continuous stress also favors the appearance of tachycardia. As for bradycardia, it usually occurs as a consequence of atrioventricular or cardiac block.

Symptoms and signs

In many cases, arrhythmias do not produce detectable symptoms or signs, beyond the alteration in the heart rate or rhythm itself. Even asymptomatic arrhythmias can predispose to the development of cardiac problems and accidents, for example through the formation of clots that hinder the transport of Blood to the heart.

People with arrhythmia often notice palpitations or pauses between heartbeats. These may be more or less frequent and occur continuously or intermittently.

In more severe cases of arrhythmia, the following may occur symptoms such as fainting or syncopeThe more severe the arrhythmia, the greater the likelihood of cardiac arrest, heart attack or sudden death. Also, the more severe the arrhythmia, the greater the likelihood of cardiac arrest, heart attack or sudden death.

Types of arrhythmia and their severity

There are four main types of arrhythmia. Each of them is composed of a series of alterations of varying severity.

1. Extrasystoles

Extrasystoles consist of extra beats arising from electrical impulses that propagate inappropriately throughout the heart. They are premature ventricular premature ventricular contractions followed by a compensatory pause.

This type of arrhythmia is the most common of all and is usually not dangerous and therefore does not generally require treatment. Extrasystoles are usually asymptomatic, although sufferers may notice chest flutters or the sensation that the heart skips beats.

2. Supraventricular arrhythmias

This type of arrhythmia is characterized by the appearance of tachycardias in the atria of the heart or in the atrioventricular node, which, as its name indicates, is located between the ventricles and the atria.

Among the supraventricular arrhythmias, the most common subtype is atrial fibrillations.These are rapid and irregular contractions that are considered to be of severe severity because they indicate that the heart is not pumping blood properly. They predispose to the occurrence of episodes of heart failure and stroke.

3. Ventricular arrhythmias

Ventricular arrhythmias are responsible for approximately 80% of all deaths due to sudden cardiac failure.ventricular arrhythmias are considered a severe form of this disorder and often warrant medical intervention, especially when the episodes have a prolonged duration.

Among the factors that favor the appearance of ventricular arrhythmias are the presence of heart disease, the weakening of its muscles and the fact of having suffered previous heart attacks.

4. Bradyarrhythmias

These arrhythmias consist of bradycardias, i.e. a slowing of the heart rate or rhythm. When they are intense, the blood does not reach the brain in the necessary quantity, so that it can cause dizziness and even syncope. In general we can say that its severity is less than that of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias..

Some of the most common causes of bradyarrhythmia are aging, hypothyroidism, heart attacks or the use of drugs such as beta-blockers. However, some people, especially if they are in good physical shape, usually have a heart rate below 60 beats per minute; in these cases bradycardia is not a problem.