Arrhythmia - Causes - Causes
Arrhythmia is caused by changes to heart tissue. It can also occur suddenly as a result of exertion or stress, imbalances in the blood, medicines, or problems with electrical signals in the heart. Typically, an arrhythmia is set off by a trigger, and the irregular heartbeat can continue if there is a problem in the heart. Sometimes the cause of an arrhythmia is unknown.
Changes to the heart
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Arrhythmia - Causes
The following conditions may cause arrhythmia:
- Changes to the heart’s anatomy
- Reduced blood flow to the heart or damage to the heart’s electrical system
- Restoring blood flow as part of treating a heart attack
- Stiffening of the heart tissue, known as fibrosis, or scarring
Exertion or strain
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Arrhythmia - Causes
Strong emotional stress, anxiety, anger, pain, or a sudden surprise can make the heart work harder, raise blood pressure, and release stress Hormone . Sometimes these reactions can lead to arrhythmias. If you have heart disease, physical activity can trigger arrhythmia due to an excess of hormones such as adrenaline. Sometimes vomiting or coughing can trigger arrhythmia.
Imbalances in the blood
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Arrhythmia - Causes
An excess or deficiency of electrolytes, hormones, or fluids can alter your heartbeat.
- An excess of thyroid hormone can cause the heart to beat faster, and thyroid deficiency can slow your heart rate.
- Dehydration can cause the heart to race.
- Low blood sugar, from an eating disorder or insulin doses that are too high in someone who has diabetes, can lead to slow or extra heartbeats.
- Low levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium can trigger arrhythmia. These electrolyte disturbances can occur after a heart attack or surgery.
Medicines
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Arrhythmia - Causes
Certain medicines can cause arrhythmia. These include medicines to treat high blood pressure and other conditions, including arrhythmia, depression, and psychosis. Some people also need to be careful about taking certain antibiotics and over-the-counter medicines, such as allergy and cold medicines.
Problems with the electrical signals in the heart
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Arrhythmia - Causes
An arrhythmia can occur if the electrical signals that control the heartbeat are delayed or blocked. This can happen when the nerve cells that produce electrical signals do not work properly or when the electrical signals do not travel normally through the heart. Another part of the heart could start to produce electrical signals, disrupting a normal heartbeat.
Disorders of electrical signaling in the heart are called conduction disorders.
Want to learn more about why arrhythmias occur?
As part of daily living, our hearts change pace to accommodate a wide range of activities, from sleeping to working out. These changes are controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which has two parts: the parasympathetic system and the sympathetic system . Overstimulation of either system can cause arrhythmia.
- The parasympathetic nervous system slows the heart rate and prepares other functions when the body is at rest. It is stimulated by extreme cold or bouts of coughing. Nerve activity slows electrical signals in the heart and extends the time it takes for the heart to relax and fill. Overstimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system can lead to bradycardia.
- The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for action, making the heart beat faster and making it easier to breathe. The adrenal glands release the hormone adrenaline that sparks these changes. The sympathetic nervous system is active in the body’s response to stress. Overstimulation from intense stress can also cause tachyarrhythmias.
Look for
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Arrhythmia - Causes
- Treatment will discuss heart-healthy lifestyle changes that your doctors may recommend if you are diagnosed with arrhythmia.