Heart arrhythmia, also known as an irregular heartbeat, is a condition in which the heart beats abnormally, either too quickly or too slowly. It can last for a few seconds to a few hours, although in some cases it can last for days, weeks, or even months.
In most cases, the arrhythmia is caused by an underlying medical condition such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or an electrolyte imbalance. Depending on the underlying cause, the arrhythmia can be either short-lived or more prolonged. In some cases, it can even become a chronic condition.
If the arrhythmia is caused by an underlying condition, it can be treated with medication or lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers such as caffeine or alcohol. In more serious cases, an implantable device such as a pacemaker may be needed to regulate the heart rate.
In cases where there is no clear underlying cause, the arrhythmia may be treated with lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and stress management. If lifestyle changes do not work, the doctor may recommend medications such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers to slow the heart rate. In some cases, an ablation procedure may be needed to destroy the areas of the heart responsible for the arrhythmia.
The length of time that heart arrhythmia may last depends on the cause and the type of treatment that is used. For example, if the arrhythmia is caused by an underlying medical condition, it may last as long as the condition is present. On the other hand, if the arrhythmia is caused by lifestyle factors, it may improve quickly once the triggers are eliminated. In some cases, the arrhythmia may be a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment.