Heart rhythm disorders, one of the diseases that the cardiology outpatient clinic of our hospital deals with, occur when the heart, which pumps blood to our body and is one of our most important organs, does not work properly and affects the life functions of the individual.

What Is Heart Rhythm Disorder?

Heart rhythm disorder, also called arrhythmia, is a condition in which the heart, which works in a certain order, works differently than normal for various reasons. In these cases, the heart may work very quickly (tachycardia), very slowly (bradycardia) or irregularly by pausing. While rhythm disorders are mostly harmless with good treatment, they can also be fatal. Cardiac arrhythmias are divided into different types, depending on the irregularity of the heartbeat and the way its rate is affected:

Tachycardia

Tachycardia, one of the most common rhythm disorders, is when the heart rate is above 100 per minute. Although tachycardia patients usually experience short-term palpitations, when the heart is working too fast, low blood pressure, fainting or shortness of breath may occur.

Sinus tachycardia

Sinus tachycardia is a continuous heart rate of over 100 beats as a result of excitement, stress, physical activity, trauma or similar conditions. Even if sinus tachycardia due to physical activity is considered normal, a doctor should be consulted.

Ventricular tachycardia

It is the rapid pulse in the ventricular chambers of the heart. While the normal heart rate is between 60 and 100, the heart rate can be between 200 and 250 in the case of ventricular tachycardia. As a result of such a rapid heartbeat, serious health problems may arise as there is not enough blood in the ventricles.

What Are The Causes of Heart Rhythm Disorders?

Although people with heart disease are usually at risk, it's not just a disease they have. First of all, tests should be done to understand how and why this disease occurs. It can cause thyroid gland disorders, anemia, imbalance of potassium, magnesium, sodium values, some hormonal diseases, etc. It can be seen due to diseases as well as stress, alcohol, some drugs and various stimulants.

Heart Rhythm Disorder Symptoms

Although arrhythmia is not always harmful and self-evident, it can sometimes require immediate intervention.

Symptoms that are usually seen are as follows:
Palpitation
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Faint
Dizziness/light headedness
Feeling of Emptiness
Feeling of bird fluttering in the chest
Diagnosis of Heart Rhythm Disorder
If the patient's complaints have been going on for a long time, holter ECG, electrocardiography (ECG) in the first place after the examination can help in making the diagnosis. It can be done for patients with frequent complaints (24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 1 week duration). In addition, tests such as echocardiography (ECHO) and exercise test may be useful for diagnosis.

Heart Rhythm Disorder Treatment

Although it does not usually lead to serious consequences, it can cause conditions such as heart failure, stroke, and sudden death. After the underlying cause is found, an appropriate treatment method can be selected and heart rhythm disorder may also end as a result of treatment. Methods such as drugs, electrical treatments, angiography, (catheter ablation) are used. In some patients, a surgical procedure or a pacemaker called a pacemaker may be required.

Our cardiologist will cooperate with other units related to the disease when necessary and will determine the most appropriate treatment method for you after the correct diagnosis.