The contraction, in turn, sends blood flowing down to the lower chambers, the ventricles. By the time the electrical signal tells the ventricles to contract, they have filled up with blood. The second part of the heartbeat is the contraction of the ventricles, which sends the blood out of the heart, through the coronary arteries to the rest of the body. There are about a dozen different types of arrhythmias and many, many things that can cause them. The more dangerous types of arrhythmias originate in the lower chambers, the ventricles.
Atrial arrhythmias are often harmless.
An irregular heartbeat is not necessarily indicative of heart disease or an impending heart attack. At one time or another, many people experience arrhythmias. You may find that reducing stress, cutting down on coffee, etc., will stop the irregular heartbeats. In the meantime, check with your doctor for a complete history and physical examination. All Rights Reserved.