The heart is more than a tireless muscle, more than a powerful pump. It is also an amazing electrical device, one that typically runs for more than 70 years with neither a tune-up nor major repairs. The heart's electrical conduction system is where it all begins. Electrical impulses travel through the heart along pathways of specialized muscle cells, setting in motion the rhythmic beating of the heart. Any deviation from this orderly signal transmission has the potential to cause an arrhythmia-an abnormal heart rate or rhythm.
Cardiac arrhythmias range in seriousness from insignificant to the life threatening.
They can be set in motion by many external and internal factors. Even some of the medicines used to treat arrhythmias can trigger arrhythmias. The most important factor contributing to arrhythmias, however, is acquired heart disease. Cardiac arrhythmias become more common with age. Please continue to support our Community Masonic Blood Program by donating as often as possible and encouraging family and friends to donate.