Heart rhythm disorders (Prague)

Heart rhythm disorder: manifestations

Arrhythmias arise in the heart muscle, specifically in the system that controls the heart's electrical impulses. However, the patient experiences symptoms in the chest area or as secondary manifestations throughout the body, for example, weakness, dizziness or impaired breathing.

Some arrhythmias may be completely asymptomatic, others may be the first sign of serious heart disease. Untreated rhythm disturbances can lead to:

• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Sudden cardiac arrest
• Permanent damage to the brain or other organs

Therefore, we recommend that you do not delay and contact us at any suspicious signs. So if you experience irregular heartbeats, fatigue, dizziness or other problems, don't wait until it's too late.

• Make an appointment for a heart rhythm measurement and cardiology examination online.
• Call us to make an appointment for a heart rhythm monitor.
• Contact us using the contact form.

Heart rhythm disorders: symptoms

Symptoms can vary and are not always related to exertion. The most common symptoms are:

• Palpitations
• Feeling the heart skip or skip a beat
• Dizziness, fainting or short-term loss of consciousness
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness
• Fatigue and decreased performance

What triggers irregular heart rhythms

Irregular heart rhythms can have many causes - often related to other health problems or lifestyle:

• High blood pressure, ischaemic heart disease
• Heart defects or inflammation
• Stress, anxiety, lack of sleep
• Use of stimulants (e.g. caffeine, nicotine, alcohol)
• Use of certain medications
• Thyroid disorders or electrolyte imbalances

Irregular heart rhythm: Types of arrhythmias

There are several types of arrhythmias that differ in origin, manifestation and severity:

• Atrial fibrillation - the most common type, characterized by rapid and irregular contraction of the atria. It increases the risk of stroke.
• Ventricular extrasystoles - premature contractions of the heart chambers, sometimes perceived as a ‘skipping’ of the heartbeat.
• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) - rapid heart rhythm emanating from the atrial region.
• Bradycardia - a slow heartbeat that can lead to cerebral anaemia.
• Ventricular tachycardia and cardiac fibrillation (heart fibrillation) - life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention.

Treatment of arrhythmia

Therapy varies according to the type of arrhythmia, its cause and severity. For severe disorders such as defibrillatory rhythms (e.g. ventricular fibrillation), an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be needed to automatically detect and treat these conditions.

Options include:

• Pharmacological treatment - drugs to slow or stabilise the heart rhythm
• Pacemaker - for slow rhythms
• Ablation - a procedure to remove the site of the arrhythmia in the heart
• Implantable defibrillator (ICD) - for life-threatening arrhythmias
• Lifestyle modification - limiting stimulants, stress and getting enough exercise