How do you get Arrhythmias?
Arrhythmias are changes in the normal beating pattern of the heart. The heart may beat much more quickly or slowly than normal, or beat irregularly. Any of these changes mean that the heart is pumping blood through the body less effectively.
The heart is a muscular organ which pumps blood to different parts of the heart and through the entire body. The contraction of the heart muscle is controlled by electrical signals. Normally, the heartbeat starts in the right atrium when a special group of cells sends an electrical signal. Anything that affects the muscle, blood vessels, valves or electrical signals in the heart can cause arrhythmia. There are many possible causes:
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Heart disease (for instance, coronary artery disease)
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Thyroid disease
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Problems with the nerves that control heartbeat
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Birth defects of the heart
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Stimulants (over-use of caffeine, nicotine and cocaine)
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Medications (Torsades de pointes is usually caused by medications, or a combination of medications, that affect the electrical signals in the heart. Bradycardia can also be triggered by medications.)
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What is Arrhythmias?