The heart is the workhorse of our body, pumping 2,000 gallons of our blood every single day. But, when our heart stops beating normally, it can cause a host of problems. If your heart has an irregular heartbeat or if it beats too slowly or too quickly, you likely have an arrhythmia.
Arrhythmia Symptoms
The symptoms of an arrhythmia vary from patient to patient. It’s not uncommon for you to experience only one symptom, while someone else might experience all of them.
- Dizziness and Fainting: Feeling light-headed or off-balance
- Shortness of Breath: Problems with breathing, whether exerting yourself or not
- Tiredness or Weakness: A sense of extreme fatigue
- Anxiety: Feeling stressed or overly anxious
- Chest Pain or Discomfort: Any significant pressure or pain in your chest
- Sweating: Unusual levels of perspiration
- Alternating Heart Rate: Your heartbeat alternates between slow and fast patterns
What Causes an Arrhythmia?
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Smoking
- Valve Disorders
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Too Much Caffeine
- Overconsumption of Alcohol
Diagnostics to Detect an Arrhythmia
We use several tests to determine whether you’re experiencing an arrhythmia or another heart issue. The most common tests are listed below:
- Echocardiogram
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
- Stress Test
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
Arrhythmia Treatment Options
At The Center for Atrial Fibrillation and Electrophysiology, we specialize in delivering state-of-the-art treatment options. They range from medication to non-invasive procedures and surgical options.
- Electrical Cardioversion: This procedure is done while you are under anesthesia. Small pads deliver an electrical charge that corrects your heart rhythm.
- Cardiac Ablation: Widely accepted as the best option to correct AFib issues, we use either focused heat or cold on the area causing the AFib.
- Pacemakers: This is an implanted device that keeps the heart from beating too slowly.
- Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD): Inserted beneath your skin, this battery-operated device delivers timely electric shocks to maintain a normal heartbeat.
- Medication: There are some medications that can help to manage your symptoms without surgery.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
When your heart rate increases during physical activity and decreases when you’re resting or sleeping, it’s perfectly normal. However, when this happens frequently, at odd times, or while at rest, you should contact your doctor. Arrhythmia symptoms can be indicative of significant heart issues such as heart attack, cardiac arrest, and coronary artery disease. It is essential to have them addressed before they worsen. As with almost every condition, outcomes are always best with an earlier diagnosis and treatment.
At The Center for Atrial Fibrillation and Electrophysiology at HCA, our philosophy is to help patients by making decisions with them rather than for them regarding their treatment. Our state-of-the-art arrhythmia diagnosis and treatment facility provides cutting-edge treatment options. Please contact us to make an appointment with our highly trained electrophysiologists today to begin your treatment journey.