Heart Rhythm Disorders
Overview
Heart rhythm disorders, also known as arrhythmias, occur when the heart’s electrical signals become irregular. This can cause the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly, or with an abnormal rhythm. Individuals may experience sensations such as a pounding or racing heartbeat. While some arrhythmias are benign, others may pose significant health risks. Treatment options vary according to the specific type of arrhythmia and may include medications, specialized devices such as pacemakers, or surgical intervention in severe cases.
Specialized Cardiac Services Offered:
Diagnosis of arrhythmias
To begin diagnosing arrhythmia, a cardiologist will conduct a physical examination and review your medical history and symptoms.
The cardiologist may recommend the following diagnostic tests:
- An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the heart’s electrical activity and helps determine the rate and rhythm of heartbeats.
- A Holter monitor is a portable device that continuously records the heart’s electrical activity during normal daily activities.
- An echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to create images of the beating heart, providing detailed information about cardiac structure and heart valves.
Electric cardioversion
Electrical cardioversion is a medical procedure performed to restore the heartbeat to its normal rhythm. The procedure is done when the heart beats too quickly or inconsistently. In a procedure like electrical cardioversion, a high-energy shock is delivered to the heart to restore its normal rhythm.
Triage for referral to an Electrophysiologist
A triage system is implemented to prioritize referrals to a cardiac electrophysiologist (EP) for patients with heart rhythm disorders. Arrhythmias often require specialized assessment by an electrophysiologist.Transcatheter Aortic Valve Pacemaker implantation
A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device implanted beneath the skin near the collarbone. It helps regulate the heartbeat and prevents abnormal heart rates.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement
An Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) is a small device implanted beneath the skin that detects irregular heart rhythms and delivers electrical shocks to restore a normal heartbeat.Syncope evaluation
A syncope evaluation is performed to assess episodes of syncope, which is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain. This condition may result from an abrupt drop in blood pressure, heart rate, or changes in blood distribution within the body.There should never be a 3-minute consult.
Syncope may occur when blood flow to the brain is inadequate.