Ventricular arrhythmia

Ventricular Arrhythmia is a type of heart rhythm disorder that originates in the lower chambers of the heart, known as the ventricles. It is characterized by rapid and irregular heartbeats, which can lead to a decrease in blood flow to the body and potentially life-threatening complications.

Causes

Ventricular arrhythmia can be caused by various conditions that damage or strain the heart muscle, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Other potential causes include certain medications, electrolyte imbalance, and drug abuse.

Types

There are three main types of ventricular arrhythmia: premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation.

Premature Ventricular Contractions

PVCs are extra, abnormal heartbeats that begin in the ventricles. These beats disrupt the regular heart rhythm, often causing a sensation of a "flip-flop" or skipped beat in the chest.

Ventricular Tachycardia

Ventricular tachycardia is a fast, regular beating of the ventricles that may last for only a few seconds or for much longer.

Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular fibrillation is a rapid, chaotic heartbeat that can be life-threatening. It causes the ventricles to quiver instead of pumping necessary blood to the body.

Symptoms

Symptoms of ventricular arrhythmia can vary depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia. They may include dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting (syncope), or palpitations — a feeling of rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats.

Diagnosis

Ventricular arrhythmia is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitor, event monitor, or electrophysiology study.

Treatment

Treatment for ventricular arrhythmia aims to restore a normal heart rhythm, prevent future episodes, and reduce complications. This may involve medications, cardioversion, catheter ablation, or implantable devices such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).

Prognosis

The prognosis for ventricular arrhythmia depends on the underlying cause, the type of arrhythmia, and the overall health of the individual. With appropriate treatment and management, many people with ventricular arrhythmia can lead a normal life.