Heart Arrhythmia
What is the difference between Atria and Atrium?
The upper two chambers of the heart are called Atria. Atria are separated by an interatrial septum into the left atrium and the right atrium
Where is the sinus node located?
The sinus node is located in the upper right chamber of the heart.
Define Sinus Node?
The sinus node is the hearts natural pacemaker. This sends an electrical impulse to make the heart beat and contract.
What are the different types of Tachycardia's in the Atria?
- Atrial fibrillation - Atrial flutter - Supraventricular tachycardia - Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
What is an Arrhythmia?
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. The heart is like a machine controlled by a conduction system which sends out electrical impulses. This causes a heartbeat Arrhythmias are caused by a problem in this conduction system, which can make your heartbeat too slowly, too quickly, or in an irregular way. There are different types of arrhythmia, the most common are: - Atrial fibrillation (AF) - Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) - Atrial flutter - Tachybrady syndrome (sick sinus syndrome) - Heart blocks
What does an Arrhythmia feel like?
Arrhythmia's may feel like a fluttering or racing heart and may be harmless. However, some heart arrhythmias may cause bothersome — sometimes even life-threatening — signs and symptoms.
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. A normal heart rate should be regular and between 60 and 100 beats a minute when you're resting.
What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?
In atrial fibrillation, the heart rate is irregular and can sometimes be very fast. In some cases, it can be considerably higher than 100 beats a minute. This can cause problems including dizziness, shortness of breath and tiredness. You may be aware of noticeable heart palpitations, where your heart feels like it's pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly, often for a few seconds or, in some cases, a few minutes. Sometimes atrial fibrillation does not cause any symptoms and a person who has it is completely unaware that their heart rate is irregular.
What is Tachycardia?
Tachycardia refers to a heart rate that's too fast. A heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute (BPM) is considered too fast.
What are the different types of Arrhythmia's?
There are different types of arrhythmia, the most common are: - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common irregular, often fast heart rhythm. - ventricular fibrillation (VF) - a rare, rapid and disorganised rhythm of heartbeats that rapidly leads to loss of consciousness and sudden death if not treated immediately - Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a very fast heart rhythm. Most SVTs are due to one or more extra electrical pathways between the atria and the ventricles. - Atrial flutter is usually a fast heart rhythm where the atria contract at a very fast rate compared to the ventricles. This can cause the atria to beat extremely fast, sometimes up to 300 beats per minute (bpm). - Tachybrady syndrome (sick sinus syndrome) causes periods of very fast or slow heart beats. - Heart blocks are caused by a delay or blockage in the conduction system between the top and bottom chambers of the heart which can cause a slow heart rate.
