Dr. Mangaraju Chakka, Electrophysiologist with CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute, discusses heart arrhythmias and Atrial Fibrillation (AFib).

What is a heart arrhythmia?

A heart arrhythmia is an abnormal rhythm. Rhythm is what keeps the heart beating - the ticker going - and arrhythmia is abnormal rhythm. It can be different types. It could be from the top of the heart chambers or bottom chambers. Some of them are inherited. Some of them are acquired. Some of them are serious. Some of them are not very serious.

How common is it for someone to have an arrhythmia?

Depending on the type of the arrhythmia and the population we're talking about, if it is the atrial fibrillation, it is fairly common, especially with age. About 1 in 10 people have atrial fibrillation and heart attack is a very common problem. Atrial Fibrillation causes low pumping function and damage to the heart muscle then that in turn causes electrical abnormalities and the rhythm issues that in turn can cause cardiac arrest and sudden death.