
Electrical shocks cannot restart a heart that has no electrical activity at all (asystole). Often, it starts back in a normal rhythm, but sometimes the arrhythmia starts again. The shock briefly stops the heart from beating and, after a second or two, it starts beating again on its own. read more ) can sometimes stop a fast arrhythmia and restore normal rhythm. Sometimes arrhythmias stop on their own or with changes in lifestyle. Some arrhythmias are harmless and do not need treatment. Age-related changes in the heart’s electrical system make some arrhythmias more likely.Įlectrical shocks to the heart ( cardioversion and defibrillation Cardioversion-Defibrillation There are many causes of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Defects may involve abnormal formation of the heart's walls or valves or of the blood vessels that enter. Some arrhythmias are caused by anatomic abnormalities present at birth ( congenital birth defects Overview of Heart Defects About one in 100 babies is born with a heart defect. Many drugs, prescription or nonprescription, including those used to treat heart disorders, can lead to arrhythmias. read more, and heart failure Heart Failure (HF) Heart failure is a disorder in which the heart is unable to keep up with the demands of the body, leading to reduced blood flow, back-up (congestion) of blood in the veins and lungs, and/or.

read more, heart valve disorders Overview of Heart Valve Disorders Heart valves regulate the flow of blood through the heart's four chambers-two small, round upper chambers (atria) and two larger, cone-shaped lower chambers (ventricles). The heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. The most common cause of arrhythmias is a heart disorder, particularly coronary artery disease Overview of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Coronary artery disease is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is partially or completely blocked.
