Q. What does it mean when your heart is going arrhythmic?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

When your heart is going arrhythmic (also known as an arrhythmia), it means that the electrical signals that control the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat are abnormal or out of sync. In certain circumstances, this can cause a rapid and potentially dangerous heartbeat.

In general, there are four types of arrhythmias: atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular tachycardia (VT) and bradycardia. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular pattern between upper chambers of the heart while SVT is caused by abnormal electrical impulses in the atria and ventricles causing them to beat faster than normal. VT occurs when abnormal firing of cells cause extremely fast contraction in one or both ventricles while bradycardia is marked by slow contractions below 60 beats per minute.

The symptoms associated with each type vary but may include palpitations, chest pain, fatigue, lightheadedness or dizziness, shortness of breath or anxiety. Other more serious symptoms may include increased risk for stroke due to blood clots forming in abnormally beating chambers as well as serious cardiac issues such as congestive heart failure if untreated for too long.

Fortunately however most cases can be treated with lifestyle changes like reducing stress levels through relaxation techniques or avoiding stimulants like caffeine; medications such as beta-blockers; pacemakers to regulate electrically contracting muscles; cardioversion for restoring normal rhythms through electric shocks; ablation which eliminates faulty tissues creating erratic currents; and surgery if necessary to replace faulty parts with artificial ones from a donor organ having similar size structures and functioning properties .  Ultimately it's important to consult a cardiologist if you experience any alarming symptom so they can identify what type you have before determining what course treatment needs to take place – since time lost might mean further risks posed upon not just your physical health but even emotional well-being!

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Looking for expert medical advice and care can be a daunting task, especially when you need it urgently. But with Second Medic, you can connect with the best doctors in just a few minutes and have a private care conversation with them, all for free!

Our platform is designed to make it easy for you to get the medical advice and care you need without any hassle. Whether you have a minor health concern or a serious medical condition, our team of experienced doctors are here to help.

At Second Medic, we understand the importance of timely and reliable medical advice. That's why we've made it our mission to provide you with the best possible care, at the convenience of your own home.

Our platform is easy to use, and you can connect with a doctor in just a few simple steps. All you need to do is create an account, tell us about your health concern, and we'll match you with a doctor who has the expertise to help you.

You can then have a private care conversation with your doctor, where you can discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any other concerns you may have. Our doctors will then provide you with expert advice and guidance on the next steps to take.

So, whether you're looking for medical advice, a second opinion, or a prescription refill, Second Medic has got you covered. With our platform, you can get the care you need, when you need it, all for free!