Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia refers to a disturbance in the normal rhythm of the heart. These rhythm abnormalities are typically classified based on the part of the heart where they begin. When the irregular rhythm originates in the lower chambers, known as the ventricles, it is called a ventricular arrhythmia. If the abnormal electrical activity starts in the upper chambers, or atria, it is referred to as a supraventricular arrhythmia.

How the Heart Normally Beats

Your heart contains a natural electrical system that coordinates each heartbeat.

Electrical signals start in the sinoatrial (SA) node, often called the heart’s natural pacemaker.

These signals travel through the upper chambers of the heart (atria),causing them to contract.

The signal then passes through the atrioventricular (AV) node andmoves to the lower chambers (ventricles).

The ventricles contract and pump blood to the lungs andthe rest of the body.

This sequence normally produces a steady heart rhythm between 60 and 100 beats per minute at rest.When the electrical signals are disrupted or travel along abnormal pathways, the heart rhythm may become irregular.

What Causes Arrhythmias?

Arrhythmias can result from various factors that affect the heart's electrical system

Coronary artery disease

High blood pressure

Heart valve problems

Previous heart attack

Electrolyte imbalance

Medications

Excess caffeine or alcohol

Thyroid disorders

Genetic heart conditions

Atrial Arrhythmias

Continuous ECG monitoring provides physicians with valuable insights into heart rhythm patterns that may occur during daily activities,sleep, or exercise.By analyzing this extended dataset, doctors can better detect intermittent arrhythmias and create an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your condition.

Atrial Arrhythmias

These begin in the heart’s upper chambers (atria). Common examples include:

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib) – chaotic electrical signals cause the atria to quiver instead of contracting normally

• Atrial flutter – rapid but organized electrical activity in the atria.

• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) –episodes of rapid heartbeat that start above the ventricles.

These conditions can sometimes increase the risk of blood clots or stroke if not properly managed.

Slow Heart Rhythms (Bradycardia)

The more heart rhythm data physicians can review, the easier it becomes to identify patterns and abnormalities. Continuous ECG monitoring provides a comprehensive view of cardiac activity during daily life, sleep, and exercise.
This approach supports earlier detection of heart rhythm disorders and allows doctors to make more confident diagnostic decisions.

Slow Heart Rhythms (Bradycardia)

Bradycardia occurs when the heart beats slower than normal.This can happen when:

• The heart’s natural pacemaker is not working properly

• Electrical signals are delayed or blocked

• Certain medications affect heart rate

Common Symptoms

Recognize the warning signs of irregular heart rhythms

Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

Fluttering sensation in the chest

Lightheadedness or dizziness

Shortness of breath

Fatigue or weakness

Chest discomfort

Fainting or near fainting

Detecting Irregular Heart Rhythms

Treatments for heart rhythm disorders are available, but the first step is identifying the exact cause of the abnormal rhythm. To do this, doctors rely on diagnostic tests that measure how the heart’s electrical system is functioning. These tests provide important information that helps healthcare professionals determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

What is an ECG?

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a diagnostic test used to record the electrical signals that control each heartbeat. During every heartbeat, a small electrical impulse moves through the heart muscle and triggers it to contract and pump blood.The ECG captures these electrical signals and displays them as a waveform that doctors can analyze. By studying the timing and pattern of these signals, physicians can evaluate how the upper and lower chambers of the heart are working and identify irregular heart rhythms.

What is ambulatory cardiac monitoring?

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a diagnostic test used to record the electrical signals that control each heartbeat. During every heartbeat, a small electrical impulse moves through the heart muscle and triggers it to contract and pump blood.The ECG captures these electrical signals and displays them as a waveform that doctors can analyze. By studying the timing and pattern of these signals, physicians can evaluate how the upper and lower chambers of the heart are working and identify irregular heart rhythms.

AT-Patch Long-Term ECG Monitoring

The AT-Patch wearable ECG monitor is designed to support extended heart rhythm monitoring and improve the detection of intermittent arrhythmias.Key features include:

Continuous ECG monitoring for up to 14 days

Lightweight, wireless patch designed for everyday activities

Real-time symptom recording through a companion smartphone app

AI-assisted ECG analysis software that helps physicians review heart rhythm data efficiently

Detailed ECG reports that assist clinicians in diagnosing arrhythmias

By providing long-term cardiac monitoring, AT-Patch helps capture irregular heart rhythms that may not appear during short diagnostic tests, supporting more accurate evaluation by healthcare professionals.

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