What is arrhythmia?  

The human heart has four chambers that work together to move throughout the body.  The beating of the four chambers are controlled by electrical impulses from a central command center known as the sinoatrial node.  The impulses then travel to the atrioentricular node and then down to the ventricles, the chambers that pump the blood.  An arrhythmia, or heart rhythm disorder, can occur anywhere along this conduction system.  These irregularities can cause the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly, or prevent the heart from properly moving blood through the system.  Symptoms created by the arrhythmia can include dizziness, light headedness, palpitations and fainting.  In some cases it may be a sign that a serious condition exists.  

Bradycardia, Tachycardia and Palpitations

Bradycardia is the medical term for a slower than normal heart beat.  Most bradycardic events are caused by problems with the heart's ability to properly conduct its electrical impulses.  When the heart does not beat quickly enough the patient may experience the symptoms described earlier. 

Tachycardia is the term for a heart beat that is abnormally fast.  There are many different areas of the heart that can initiate an increased heart rate.  When the heart beats too quickly it can be inefficient in moving blood through the system.  This can cause additional symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain.

A palpitation is an awareness of the beating of the heart.  During its normal function most people are not consciously aware of their own heart beat.  When there is an irregular rhythm, like the ones listed above, people sometimes experience a fluttering feeling or the sensation that their heart is skipping a beat.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Confirming that there is a problem is the first step in fixing or managing the issue.  There are several noninvasive tests that allow the Electrophysiology to determine the cause of the irregularity.  An electrocardiogram or EKG can show the doctor if there is a problem.  Other tests like Holter monitor or event monitor let the doctor see if there is a problem over a longer period of time.  Additional testing such as a stress test and tilt table test can also be used to diagnose arrhythmias.

Once the electrophysiologist has diagnosed the problem then a plan of care can be formulated to correct it.  There are many treatment options available for patients who are experiencing arrhythmias.  The electrophysiological will determine which treatment options are best suited for each patient and their conditions.

You can be sure that our doctors will work together with you to insure that you are receiving the best possible treatments for your arrhythmia.