Heartbeat Disorders Management
A heart rhythm disorder, called an arrhythmia, is characterized by a heartbeat that’s too fast, too slow or uneven. We are dedicated to providing you with the latest advances in arrhythmia treatment.
Types of arrhythmia
Arrhythmias are categorised into two types – tachycardia and bradycardia.
Tachycardia
Tachycardia is when your heart beats too fast, generally more than 100 beats per minute. Some forms of tachycardia are easily treated and not serious, but others can be life threatening. Tachycardia can be a normal response to physical activity, but can also be a sign of a medical problem.
Bradycardia
Bradycardia is when your heart beats too slowly, generally less than 60 beats per minute. It becomes serious when your heart beats so slowly that it can’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs.
Symptoms of arrhythmias
Occasional palpitations during periods of emotional or physical stress are normal and are nothing to worry about.
The symptoms of more serious arrhythmias include:
• persistent palpitations that feel like pounding, galloping or fluttering
• chest pain
• dizziness or fainting
• sweating
• shortness of breath
• light-headedness
• fullness in the throat or neck.
Treatment for arrhythmias
Treatment for an arrhythmia depends on its cause and how much it is affecting your health and lifestyle. It is important to remember that not all arrhythmias are dangerous or life threatening. Sometimes, the heart is perfectly healthy, but its regular rhythm is interrupted by emotional stress or physical activity levels.
Treatment for arrhythmia may include:
• medication – to stabilise the heart rhythm, or treat conditions that are causing the arrhythmia
• a pacemaker – a small electronic device that electrically stimulates the heart to maintain an appropriate heart rhythm if the heart rhythm is too slow
• an implantable cardiac defibrillator – to monitor and correct your heart rhythm if it is dangerous
• defibrillation – use of a mild electrical current to ‘reset’ your heart rhythm
• electrical cardioversion – a mild electrical shock that restores a normal heart rhythm while you are under anaesthetic
• catheter ablation – a catheter with an electrode on the end is inserted into your body and directed to your heart, where it gently ‘burns’ and inactivates the area(s) responsible for abnormal signals in the atria
• surgery – to remove or inactivate the malfunctioning area(s) of the heart
• lifestyle changes – including managing stress, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, eating healthy foods, being physically active, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and maintaining a healthy body weight.