What Can Cause Arrhythmia?

Arrhythmias are due to problems with your heart’s electrical pathways, affecting its rate or rhythm. Heart conditions, electrolyte imbalances, and certain medications are among the causes that can lead to these problems.

Arrhythmia occurs when your heart beats irregularly. It can beat too fast, too slow, or skip beats.

Arrhythmia can affect almost anyone but may more likely develop as you age. Researchers estimate that between 1.5% and 5% of people in the United States have this condition. Atrial fibrillation, caused by your atria (two upper heart chambers) contracting irregularly, is the most common arrhythmia type.

Read this article to learn about arrhythmia causes, the conditions that can lead to it, its risk factors, and how to prevent it.

What happens in your body to cause arrhythmia?

To better understand arrhythmia , let’s discuss how a healthy heart works.

Your heart has an electrical system that controls your heartbeat. This system consists of electrical impulses that travel through your heart, prompting it to contract and pump blood.

These impulses usually follow precise pathways , causing a steady heart rhythm. However, a disruption in your heart’s electrical system can lead to arrhythmia.

These disruptions can present in a few ways. In some cases, your sinoatrial (SA) node, which starts your heartbeat, can slow down or stop completely. In others, extra signal pathways can develop, or a blockage can exist along the pathway.

What causes the disruption can vary. Possible causes include :

• heart damage
• a heart’s structural irregularities
• electrolyte imbalances
• obstructive sleep apnea (breathing disruptions during sleep)
• too much heart stress or strain
• certain heart medications or medical procedures
• alcohol consumption
• thyroid problems
• illegal drug use

Types of arrhythmia

Doctors classify arrhythmias into several general types :

• bradycardia , or a slow heart rate, typically fewer than 60 beats per minute
• tachycardia, a fast heart rate, typically more than 100 beats per minute
• supraventricular arrhythmias, which occur in your atria, for example:
  • atrial fibrillation , or your upper heart chambers contracting irregularly
  • atrial flutter , or your upper heart chambers contracting fast
• ventricular arrhythmias, which occur in your ventricles (lower heart chambers):
  • ventricular tachycardia , or your ventricles contracting fast
  • ventricular fibrillation , an emergency condition that makes your heart unable to pump blood due to irregular ventricle contractions
• premature atrial or ventricular contractions , which happen when your atria or ventricles have early contractions

Read more: What You Need to Know About Abnormal Heart Rhythms

What conditions can cause arrhythmia?

Several health conditions can lead to arrhythmia by affecting your heart’s electrical system:

• heart attack
• coronary artery disease
• congenital (present at birth) heart disease
• electrolyte disorders, such as potassium , sodium, and calcium imbalances
• overactive thyroid
• viral infections like COVID-19

According to a 2024 research review , atrial fibrillation (the most common arrhythmia type) can also be due to:

• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• obesity
• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

What factors increase my risk of arrhythmia?

In addition to health conditions, several other factors can increase your risk of arrhythmia. These include:

• limited physical activity
• alcohol and caffeine consumption
• tobacco use
• family history of arrhythmia
• older ages

What can trigger arrhythmia?

If you have the above risk factors or underlying conditions, the following can cause arrhythmia:

• stress and anxiety
• heavy caffeine consumption
• high or low blood sugar levels
• certain illegal drugs
• physical overexertion
• some medications like antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and certain cancer drugs
• dehydration

Can I prevent arrhythmia?

While you can’t change some risk factors like age and genetics, you can reduce your risk of arrhythmia by:

• eating a balanced diet
• exercising regularly
• maintaining a moderate weight
• quitting smoking if you smoke
• limiting or avoiding alcohol and caffeine consumption
• avoiding illegal substances
• managing stress with techniques such as meditation , yoga , or deep breathing exercises
• scheduling regular checkups with a doctor, especially if you have conditions or risk factors associated with arrhythmia

Takeaway

Several underlying conditions and risk factors can lead to arrhythmia. While some factors are beyond your control, adopting a healthy lifestyle and managing underlying health conditions can significantly reduce your risk and help you maintain a healthy heart.

If you experience arrhythmia symptoms, such as a fluttering in your chest or dizziness, schedule a prompt appointment with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Get emergency medical attention if you have sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting.