Types of Heart Arrhythmia

An irregular heartbeat can take many forms and have different root causes. Following are some of the most common types of heart arrhythmia:

Atrial Fibrillation

When atrial fibrillation occurs, the two upper chambers of your heart (the atria) beat irregularly or out of sync with the lower chambers (the ventricles). As a result, the heart can beat faster than normal or beat irregularly, causing poor blood flow to the body. Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weakness. This form of arrhythmia is fairly common, affecting more than two million Americans.

Ischemic Heart Disease Related Arrhythmias

A constriction or obstruction in the coronary vessels can cause Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), which can be serious. This condition develops gradually, starting with a build up of fatty tissues in the arteries. Because blood flow becomes constricted, the heart needs more oxygen than the blood can supply. Shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or even blackouts can be signs of IHD.

Supraventricular Tachycardia

In cases of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), the heart's normally precise heart rate speeds up, sometimes as fast as 150 to 200 beats a minute. The heart can return to its normal rate (60 to 100 beats a minute) on its own or through treatment. Symptoms of SVT can include palpitations, light-headedness and chest pain. In some instances there may be confusion or even a loss of consciousness.

Ventricular Tachycardia

In contrast to supraventricular tachycardia which occurs in the upper chambers of the heart, arrhythmia caused by ventricular tachycardia starts in the lower part of the heart. The fast rhythm of the ventricles can lead to ventricular fibrillation, which can be life threatening. Symptoms of ventricular tachycardia include palpitations, dizziness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath, chest pain, nearly fainting or actually fainting.

Atrial Flutter

Feeling like regular heart palpitations, the onset of atrial flutter may go unnoticed, particularly at first. This arrhythmia occurs in the atria portion of the heart. People with hypertension, coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy (a weakening of the heart muscle) are most likely to experience this type of arrhythmia, though a normal heart can have episodes of atrial flutter as well. In addition to the palpitations, symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain and nausea.