Types

While there are a wide variety of cardiac arrhythmias, they can be classified into two categories: ventricular and supraventricular.

Identification

Ventricular arrhythmias begin in one of the two ventricles, while supraventricular arrhythmias originate in the part of the heart above the ventricles. Supraventricular arrhythmias typically occur in the atria, but may also begin in the electrical conduction pathways of the heart.

Examples

Common supraventricular arrhythmias include supraventricular tachycardia, which occurs when a part of your atria sends abnormal electrical signals that speed up your heart rate, and atrial fibrillation, a rapid and irregular heartbeat in which muscle fibers in the atria contract on their own. Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, a disorder caused by extra muscle pathways connecting the ventricles and atria, is also classified as a supraventricular arrhythmia.

Effects

Supraventricular arrhythmias may interfere with normal circulation of blood, and can cause shortness of breath and chest tightness.

Significance

According to the Texas Heart Institute, supraventricular arrhythmias are not usually as serious as ventricular arrhythmias. In many cases, you won't even need treatment.

Source:

Categories of Arrhythmias

More Information:

Cleveland Clinic: Common Types of Arrhythmias