Patients & Family

Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias

What are arrhythmias?

Arrhythmias are problems that affect the electrical system of the heart and cause abnormal heart rhythms that can cause the heart to pump less effectively.

Many arrhythmias have no known cause. However, a number of factors can contribute to arrhythmias. These factors include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, excessive use of alcohol or caffeine, drug abuse and stress (Eaker et al., 2005), including some over-the-counter and prescription medications, have been known to cause arrhythmias in some people (Abbott, 2005).