What is Arrhythmia?

Posted on November 15, 2022

When the heart begins to race, reaching over 100 beats per minute, the heart is in a state defined as tachycardia. On the other end of the spectrum, if the heart slows to under 60 beats per minute, it is in a state referred to as bradycardia. Both of these heart rates are considered abnormal and are characterized as arrhythmia. An arrhythmia may also cause an irregular heart rhythm, which can make a patient feel faint, dizzy, and short of breath. It is normal to experience an increase in heart rate during physical exercise, or a decrease in heart rate while resting. However, when there are no external factors leading to a change in heart rate, the heart is simply not pumping enough blood throughout the body. If you experience arrhythmia in New Jersey, count on The Medical Group of New Jersey for support and treatment options.An Illustration of a Heart in Front of an ECG Heartbeat Graph in Blue and Purple Colors

Fortunately, heart arrhythmias are treatable with medicine or procedures that regulate heart rate and rhythm. If your arrhythmia goes untreated, the decrease in blood pumping to the body can damage internal organs, including the brain and heart. Additionally, a patient may have a higher risk of stroke, heart attack, or heart failure.

There are several telling signs of possible arrhythmia that should be addressed with your doctor. Call on The Medical Group of New Jersey if you are experiencing:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Fainting (or near fainting)
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Slow heart rate
  • Fluttering in the chest
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain

What Causes Heart Arrhythmias?

Arrhythmias can be caused by an exponential amount of factors, ranging from birth defects to lifestyle habits. Some of the most common conditions and events that lead to arrhythmias include:

  • High amounts of stress
  • A damaged or weakened heart
  • Alcohol
  • Smoking
  • Thyroid issues
  • Genetic predispositions
  • Coronary artery disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Sleep apnea
  • Electrolyte imbalances

Count on The Medical Group of New Jersey for Treatment Options

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, we offer various treatment options for arrhythmia in New Jersey and will work with you to ensure you receive the treatment that works best for you. Whether that is a non-surgical ablation, a pacemaker, CryoMaze surgery, or coronary bypass grafting, we will work with you to give you the proper care for arrhythmia. Call our office at (973) 579-2100 or request an appointment through our secure online form.