An Overview of Heart Disease Part 2 of 2
Electrical Disorders
Arrhythmias that start in the ventricles, the heart’s lower chambers include:
Ventricular tachycardia
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a serious heart rhythm disorder where the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) beat rapidly and irregularly. While often associated with other serious heart conditions, VT can also occur in individuals with otherwise healthy hearts.
VT is a critical condition that requires immediate attention and aggressive treatment. This is because it can rapidly deteriorate into ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening condition where the heart beats chaotically and ineffectively.
Treatment options for VT include:
- Radiofrequency ablation: This procedure involves using specialized catheters (thin tubes) to deliver radiofrequency energy to the area of the heart tissue causing the abnormal rhythm, creating scar tissue and disrupting the abnormal electrical signals.
- Medication: Antiarrhythmic medications can help slow down or stabilize the heart rate.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address the underlying cause of VT.
Many individuals with VT benefit from an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). This device continuously monitors the heart rhythm and can deliver a life-saving electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat if a dangerous rhythm, such as VT or ventricular fibrillation, is detected.
Ventricular fibrillation
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder where the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) quiver chaotically and ineffectively, preventing the heart from pumping blood.
- Significance: VF is a leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest, accounting for approximately half of all cardiac-related deaths.
- Triggers: While VF can occur spontaneously, it is often triggered by a heart attack (myocardial infarction), where a blockage in the coronary arteries restricts blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Impact: VF abruptly disrupts the heart's normal function, halting blood flow to vital organs, including the brain. This oxygen deprivation can quickly lead to brain damage and death.
- Distinction from Heart Attack: It's crucial to understand that sudden cardiac arrest due to VF is an electrical problem, distinct from a heart attack, which is a circulatory problem caused by blocked arteries.
- Treatment: The only effective treatment for VF is immediate defibrillation. This involves the application of an electrical shock to the heart using paddles or electrodes to reset the heart's rhythm and allow it to resume normal pumping activity.
- CPR: While CPR can help maintain some blood flow to the brain until defibrillation can be administered, it is not a substitute for defibrillation in treating VF.
Other Arrhythmias
Premature contractions
Premature contractions, characterized by early, skipped, or extra heartbeats, are the most frequent cause of irregular heart rhythms. These can originate in either the upper or lower chambers of the heart.
Long QT Syndrome
Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a disorder affecting the heart's electrical system. It can be inherited, acquired through certain medications, or result from a combination of both factors. Individuals with LQTS are at an increased risk of developing ventricular fibrillation (VF), a potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disturbance.
Heart block
Heart block occurs when electrical signals from the upper chambers (atria) fail to properly transmit to the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. This disruption in electrical conduction leads to a significantly slowed heart rate, reducing the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the brain and other vital organs.
Syncope
Syncope, commonly known as fainting, can be a symptom of a serious underlying heart rhythm disorder and therefore warrants careful medical evaluation. While not always heart-related, with potential causes such as low blood sugar, syncope poses a significant risk due to the possibility of injuries from falls.
Circulatory Disorders
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to a portion of the heart muscle is severely reduced or completely blocked due to a blockage in the coronary arteries. This oxygen deprivation can damage or even kill the affected heart muscle. Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack is crucial for prompt emergency medical attention, which can significantly minimize heart muscle damage and improve the chances of survival.
Stroke
Strokes occur when blood flow to a part of the brain is disrupted or blocked. Abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation, can increase the risk of stroke by promoting the formation of blood clots within the heart. These clots can dislodge and travel to the brain, where they can obstruct blood vessels, leading to a stroke
Structural Disorders
Heart failure
Heart failure, also known as cardiomyopathy, occurs when the heart muscle weakens, impairing its ability to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for slowing down or halting the progression of this condition.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.
Heart Valve Problems
Heart valve problems occur when one or more of the heart's valves fail to function properly. These valves, which control the one-way flow of blood through the heart, can become:
- Stenotic: Narrowed, restricting blood flow.
- Regurgitant (leaky): Allowing blood to flow backward.
These issues can arise from various causes, including congenital defects (present at birth) or conditions acquired later in life.
Impact:
Heart valve problems can disrupt the heart's ability to efficiently pump blood, leading to:
- Reduced blood flow: To the body's organs and tissues.
- Increased workload: For the heart, potentially leading to heart failure.
Treatment Options:
- Medication: To manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
- Surgery: To repair or replace damaged valves.
Important Note:
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for managing heart valve problems and preventing serious complications.