Fast Heart Rhythms

Fast Heart Rhythms

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and usually rapid heart rhythm in the upper chambers of the heart. It occurs when many electrical impulses are generated instead of the single impulse in the sinus node that starts the beat.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm abnormality in the general population. Atrial fibrillation is common in people with heart failure. It can occur on and off, or a person can have this rhythm all of the time. Blood is still being pumped from the upper to lower heart when someone is having atrial fibrillation. However, some blood can pool in the upper chambers of the heart, and this can lead to the formation of blood clots which can cause a stroke. Anticoagulant medicines (commonly called blood thinners) are often prescribed for people with persistent atrial fibrillation to help reduce the chance of a stroke.

Supraventricular Tachycardia

Supraventricular tachycardia is a fast heart rhythm that starts in the upper chambers of the heart. Several early beats that start in the upper chambers of the heart can take over the heart rhythm and speed it up. This rhythm is sometimes called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) or paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT). Paroxysmal means starting suddenly.

Ventricular Tachycardia

Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid heart rhythm that involves the lower chambers of the heart. This rhythm problem can become life-threatening and requires urgent treatment. A person who has had a heart attack or other changes in heart muscle is at risk for developing this type of rhythm problem.

Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular fibrillation is an irregular and rapid heart rhythm that results in chaotic, uncoordinated quivering (like a bowl of jello) in the lower chambers of the heart. This is the most serious heart rhythm problem, because no blood is pumped out of the heart during this rhythm disturbance. Ventricular fibrillation causes loss of consciousness and leads to sudden cardiac arrest unless a normal rhythm is restored through immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and/or by delivering a defibrillation shock. This is why friends and family members of people with heart problems are encouraged to learn CPR and know emergency contact procedures.