What Is a Heart Rhythm Disorder and Is There More Than One Type?

A heartbeat is one of the most basic signs of life.

Expecting parents wait to hear their baby’s heartbeat for the first time. Doctors search for a pulse after a patient has fallen unconscious. It’s even said that the heart beats faster when we fall in love.

But the heart doesn’t always beat as expected.

A heart rhythm disorder can cause an irregular heartbeat. And there’s more than just one type. Read on to learn about heart rhythm disorders.

What Is a Heart Rhythm Disorder?

A heart rhythm disorder, or arrhythmia, is where the heart doesn’t beat at an even, steady pace. It may beat more slowly, quickly, or with extra beats.

This is typically caused by electrical abnormalities that signal to the heart when to beat.

A heart rhythm disorder isn’t just any change in heartbeat. It’s normal for the heartbeat to change during rest, a stressful situation, or exercise.

If there’s a true disorder, the irregular heartbeat occurs repeatedly and without a standard cause.

Common Types of Arrhythmias

There are several types of arrhythmias, and they don’t all look the same.

Some come from the heart’s lower chambers, while others start outside or above the ventricles.

Here are some common types of heart rhythm disorders.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation causes a fast heartbeat.

In this condition, electrical signals from the heart are sent faster than usual. This leads to a rapid and irregular heartbeat.

Atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke and heart disease, so treatment is important.

Even if atrial fibrillation is treated and goes away, certain factors can make it more likely to return. Learn more at www.afibmatters.org.

Atrial Flutter

Similar to atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter is caused by faulty electrical impulses. This can cause a fast heartbeat that is either consistent or comes and goes regularly.

When the heart beats in this way, it can be difficult for blood to be carried properly through the body.

Supraventricular Tachycardia

Supraventricular tachycardia causes heart palpitations from electrical abnormalities in the lower heart chamber.

These palpitations may come on suddenly and then disappear just as abruptly.

For some, supraventricular tachycardia only occurs due to specific triggers like caffeine. In those cases, it can be easy to treat. For others, this heart rhythm disorder may not have a known cause.

Sick Sinus Syndrome

The heart’s sinus node is responsible for regulating the rhythm of your heartbeat. Sometimes, it stops working as it should, leading to sick sinus syndrome.

In this condition, the heartbeat can be too fast, too slow, or both.

Symptoms to Look For

It’s difficult to diagnose a heart rhythm disorder by yourself because many types appear similar. Only a doctor can properly diagnose heart issues.

Contact your doctor if you have the following symptoms: