Arrhythmias

Alternative names:

abnormal heart rhythms; dysrhythmias

Treatment:

Medications may include antiarrhythmic medications, medications to speed up or slow down the heart rate, and others.
Treatment may include electrical "shock" (defibrillation or cardioversion).

Expectations (prognosis):

Prognosis (probable outcome) is variable depending on the arrhythmia and the individual response to the arrhythmia. The arrhythmia may be well tolerated. It may cause symptoms from reduced pumping action of the heart (cardiac output), causing lack of blood flow to the brain, heart, and body. Arrhythmias may be dangerous, causing other disorders. Some arrhythmias can be lethal, especially ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.

Complications:

• angina related to deficient blood flow through the coronary arteries
• myocardial infarction
• heart failure
• stroke

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate an arrhythmia may be present.

Call your health care provider if an arrhythmia has been diagnosed and symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment.