Arrhythmias are abnormal beats of the heart. Types of
arrhythmias include: Heartbeats that are too slow (bradycardia)
Heartbeats that are too fast (tachycardia) - Extra beats -
Skipped beats - Beats coming from abnormal areas of the heart An
arrhythmia can be caused by: - The heart's natural pacemaker
(sinoatrial node [SA node]) developing an abnormal rate or
rhythm - The normal conduction path being interrupted - Another
part of the heart taking over as pacemaker Conduction Pathways
of the Heart Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. Factors
that may increase the risk of arrhythmias include: Lifestyle
factors, such as excess caffeine, stress, - Certain medicines,
such as diet pills, decongestants, and antidepressants Heart-
related conditions, such as coronary artery disease (CAD),
problems with heart valves, heart muscle damage after heart
attack, rheumatic heart disease, Other conditions, such as high
blood pressure, diabetes, liver disease, endocrine disorders
(eg, thyroid or adrenal gland problems), or l