Difference between revisions of "Arrhythmia"
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | + | An '''arrhythmia''' is any disorder of a person's [[heart]] rate or rhythm. Their heart beats too quickly, too slowly or with an irregular pattern. When the heart beats faster than normal, it is called '''tachycardia'''. When the heart beats too slowly, it is called '''bradycardia'''. | |
| + | |||
| + | Many factors can affect the heart's rhythm, such as having a heart attack, blood chemistry imbalances or abnormal hormone levels. Some substances or medicines may also cause arrhythmias. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Symptoms of arrhythmias include | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Fast or slow heart beat | ||
| + | * Skipping beats | ||
| + | * Lightheadedness, dizziness | ||
| + | * Chest pain | ||
| + | * Shortness of breath | ||
| + | * Paleness | ||
| + | * Sweating<ref>http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/arrhythmia.html</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==References== | ||
| + | <references/> | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Category:Medicine]] | ||
Revision as of 13:56, June 18, 2008
An arrhythmia is any disorder of a person's heart rate or rhythm. Their heart beats too quickly, too slowly or with an irregular pattern. When the heart beats faster than normal, it is called tachycardia. When the heart beats too slowly, it is called bradycardia.
Many factors can affect the heart's rhythm, such as having a heart attack, blood chemistry imbalances or abnormal hormone levels. Some substances or medicines may also cause arrhythmias.
Symptoms of arrhythmias include
- Fast or slow heart beat
- Skipping beats
- Lightheadedness, dizziness
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Paleness
- Sweating[1]