This timing sequence is called atrio-ventricular synchrony. When the timing sequence is working properly, the hearts electrical system automatically responds to your body's need for oxygen. It also creates your heartbeat. However, sometimes there is a change in the rhythm, called a palpitation. Some palpitations are caused by anxiety, cigarettes, cola, or other stimulants, and these are less serious. However, some can be more serious and cause the heart to beat too slow or too fast. This altered heart rate is called an arrhythmia, and it may prevent your body from pumping enough blood to meet it's needs.
Types of Arrhythmias.
There are many different types of arrhythmias, which are categorized by their speed. A bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate, a tachycardia refers to a fast heart rate, and a fibrillation refers to fast, uncoordinated heartbeats. They are also categorized by where the electrical problem originates in the heart. Arrhythmias that start in your heart's atria are called atrial or supraventricular arrhythmias, and arrhythmias that start in your heart's ventricles are called ventricular arrhythmias and tend to be more serious. .
Some common arrhythmias include:.
Supraventricular tachycardia: This happens when a burst of rapid heartbeats originate in your heart's upper chambers. The burst usually begins and ends suddenly, and episodes can last from seconds to days.
Atrial flutter: This happens when the heart's upper chambers flutter, beating rapidly. It is often associated with damage to the heart caused by a faulty heart valve.
Atrial fibrillation: This is one of the most common arrhythmias, affecting almost 2 million Americans. (Guidant) It effects mostly people over the age of 60. In this type of arrhtyhmia, the heart's upper chambers beat very fast (300 to 600 beats per minute, while a normal heartbeat is 60 to 100). These fast, irregular signals cause many problems.