An arrhythmia is a change in the normal sequence of the heartbeat. The irregular pace may be too fast, too slow or erratic compared to a normal adult heart, which beats 60 to 100 times per minute. Tachycardia is the term to classify a fast heart rate.Adults with this condition have a heart rate over 100 beats per minute. Bradycardia classifies adults with a slower than average heart rate. Individuals with bradycardia have heart rates less than 60 beats per minute.In any case, an inefficient heart can cause the lungs and other vital organs to function improperly. Some heart arrhythmias do not greatly affect the overall heart rate. Contrastingly, longer lasting abnormal beats cause the heart to beat less efficiently. Heart rates of this nature may cause organ failure or damage.
An irregular heartbeat can arise in a few ways. If the heart’s natural pacemaker develops an irregular rhythm, the organ itself will have an abnormal beat. Interruptions in the normal conduction pathway can likewise cause arrhythmias. Additionally, someone may develop an irregular heart rate if another part of the heart takes over as the pacemaker.If you have an abnormal heartbeat, it is important to receive proper medical care to prevent the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest or stroke.
