Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms that occur when the heart beats too quickly (tachycardia), too slowly (bradycardia), or with an irregular pattern. These abnormalities in heart rhythm can disrupt the normal electrical signals that control the heartbeat. Arrhythmias can range from harmless to life-threatening and may be associated with various underlying heart conditions.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): This is the most common type of arrhythmia, characterized by rapid and irregular electrical signals in the atria (the upper chambers of the heart). AFib can increase the risk of stroke and other complications.
Atrial Flutter: Similar to AFib but with a more regular pattern of rapid heartbeats.
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Episodes of fast heart rate originating above the heart’s ventricles.
Ventricular Tachycardia (VTach): Rapid heartbeats originating in the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart). VTach can be life-threatening.
Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib): A life-threatening emergency where the heart’s electrical signals become chaotic, causing the heart to quiver instead of pump blood. Without immediate treatment, VFib can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
Treatment of Arrhythmias at Crescent Hospital & Heart Centre:
Crescent Hospital & Heart Centre is dedicated to diagnosing and treating arrhythmias to ensure the best possible heart health for our patients. Our approach to arrhythmia treatment may involve:
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): To diagnose the type and severity of the arrhythmia, we use ECGs, which record the heart’s electrical activity.
Holter Monitoring: For continuous monitoring of heart rhythm over a 24- to 48-hour period or longer.
Event Monitoring: Portable devices worn by patients to record heart rhythm during symptoms.
Medications: Many arrhythmias can be managed effectively with medication, such as anti-arrhythmic drugs, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or blood-thinning medications to reduce stroke risk in AFib.
Cardioversion: A procedure that uses electrical shock to reset the heart’s rhythm to normal.
Ablation Therapy: Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain arrhythmias by destroying the abnormal tissue causing the irregular rhythm.
Implantable Devices: Pacemakers are used to treat bradycardias (slow heart rhythms), while implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are used to treat and prevent dangerous ventricular arrhythmias.
Catheter Ablation for AFib: For patients with atrial fibrillation, catheter ablation may be recommended to isolate or modify the areas of the heart causing the irregular rhythm.
Surgical Procedures: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary, such as the Maze procedure to treat AFib during open-heart surgery.
Lifestyle Changes: For some arrhythmias, lifestyle modifications, such as reducing caffeine or alcohol intake and managing stress, can help prevent episodes.
At Crescent Hospital & Heart Centre, we have a team of highly skilled cardiologists and electrophysiologists specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of an arrhythmia or has been diagnosed with one, please contact us for expert evaluation and personalized treatment options. Your heart health is our priority, and we are committed to providing the best care possible.