What causes arrhythmia?

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.

What research is being done to improve detection of arrhythmias?

NHLBI-supported research aims to better understand the genetic patterns that contribute to various types of arrhythmia, to help improve detection of arrhythmias in the future and give doctors a better way to assess which patients face the highest risk of dangerous heart rhythms. Investigating ways to heal damaged heart tissue to treat arrhythmia.

What increases my risk of heart arrhythmia?

You may have an increased risk of arrhythmia because of your age, environment, family history and genetics, habits in your daily life, certain medical conditions, race or ethnicity, sex, or surgery. The chances of having arrhythmia grow as we age, in part because of changes in heart tissue and in how the heart works over time.

What happens if you have repeat arrhythmias?

Repeat arrhythmias can lead to a rapid decline in the ability of the lower chambers to pump blood. Heart failure is especially likely to develop or to grow worse as a result of arrhythmia when you already have heart disease. Stroke. This can occur in some patients who have atrial fibrillation.