Arrhythmias are caused by a change in the electrical signals of the heart. It may be an abnormal signal or a problem with how the signal moves through the heart. This may happen because of one or more of the following:

  • The heart's pacemaker (sinoatrial [SA] node) is not working as it should. It will set a rate or rhythm that isn’t normal.
  • Damage to the heart that makes it harder for these signals to move through the heart. May be caused by injury or illness such as:
  • A signal to contract starts in areas of the heart other than the SA node.
  • Problems with how your muscles and nerves work.

Factors outside the body that can affect the rhythm of the heart include:

  • Stress
  • Caffeine
  • Tobacco
  • Alcohol
  • Illegal drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines
  • Diet pills
  • Certain medicines, such as those used to treat a cough or cold, heart problems, asthma, depression, or thyroid problems.
REFERENCES:

Arrhythmia. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/arrhythmia. Accessed January 2, 2019.

Atrial fibrillation. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115288/Atrial-fibrillation. Updated August 22, 2018. Accessed January 2, 2019.

Atrial flutter. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115251/Atrial-flutter. Updated February 22, 2017. Accessed January 2, 2019.

Atrioventricular (AV) conduction disorders. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T907302/Atrioventricular-AV-conduction-disorders. Updated November 27, 2017. Accessed January 2, 2019.

Symptoms, diagnosis and monitoring of arrhythmia. American Heart Association website. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/symptoms-diagnosis--monitoring-of-arrhythmia. Accessed January 2, 2019.

Understand your risk for arrhythmia. American Heart Association website. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/understand-your-risk-for-arrhythmia#.WTAaIOvytQJ. Accessed January 2, 2019.

Ventricular arrhythmias. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T909129/Ventricular-arrhythmias. Updated October 19, 2018. Accessed January 2, 2019.

Last reviewed December 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC