Arrhythmias Originating in the Atria
Sometimes your heart's electrical signals can lose their regular pattern. In the condition called atrial fibrillation (AF), many parts of the atria, the heart's two upper chambers, start emitting uncoordinated electrical signals. The atria pump too fast and unevenly and won't fully contract. In fact, they may contract 5–7 times faster than normal — up to 300–400 beats per minute. Not all these signals go to the ventricles, so although their rate is irregular, it won't be this fast and the ventricles can still pump out blood. An estimated 2.2 million Americans are living with AF. That makes it the most common "serious" heart rhythm abnormality. AF isn't life-threatening, but it can lead to other rhythm problems, chronic fatigue, congestive heart failure and, worst of all, stroke. When your left atrium pumps too fast and unevenly, blood doesn't empty completely into your left ventricle. Instead, leftover blood "pools" in the atrium. This blood can form clots. If a clot breaks loose, enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain, it can plug an artery and cause a stroke. This doesn't happen to everyone with AF, but your chances of having a stroke are five times higher if you have AF. About 15–20 percent of all strokes occur in people with AF. Atrial flutter Premature atrial contraction (PAC) Premature beats are very common in normal children and teenagers — most people have them at some time. Usually no cause can be found and no special treatment is needed. The premature beats may disappear later. Occasionally premature beats may be caused by disease or injury to the heart. Your doctor may recommend more tests to make sure your heart is OK. Sick sinus syndrome Sinus arrhythmia Sinus tachycardia Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 09/21/07. |
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