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What is an arrhythmia?

An arrhythmia is a heart that beats too fast, too slow, or erratically. Arrhythmias occur when there’s a change in the sequence of electrical impulses that control the contraction of your heart muscles and the movement of blood throughout your body.

You can expect an increase in your heartbeat during exercise and may occasionally feel your heart skip a beat. These occasional changes in the rhythm of your heart are normal. An irregular heartbeat is a concern when it occurs frequently or causes symptoms like dizziness. 

Coronary artery disease (CAD), heart valve disorders, and cardiomyopathy are common causes of arrhythmias. 

What happens during an arrhythmia treatment evaluation?

Dr. Parto takes a patient-centered approach to care and conducts a thorough exam when you visit Parto Heart & Vascular for an arrhythmia treatment evaluation. He reviews your medical history and symptoms and performs a physical exam.

Dr. Parto also utilizes advanced diagnostic testing to determine the type and severity of your arrhythmia. Testing may include:

  • Electrocardiogram (EKG)
  • Stress test
  • Echocardiogram
  • Holter monitor 
  • Event monitor
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Electrophysiology study (EPS): Test to assess heart’s electrical activity
  • Tilt table test: Determine cause of symptoms like dizziness

Cardiac catheterization is an interventional cardiology procedure that uses catheters to evaluate your heart from the inside.

What are the types of arrhythmia treatment?

Arrhythmia treatment at Parto Heart & Vascular depends on the seriousness of your condition and underlying cause. Some of the therapies Dr. Parto offers include:

Vagal maneuver

Vagal maneuvers stimulate the nervous system to slow down a rapid heartbeat. 

Medications

For a fast heartbeat (tachycardia), Dr. Parto prescribes medications to slow down the rate of your heartbeat. 

Cardioversion

Cardioversion is an electric shock-like procedure that resets the heartbeat when medications fail. Dr. Parto may perform this procedure to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Pacemaker

A pacemaker is an implantable device that tracks your heartbeat and sends electrical impulses to keep the rhythm steady. 

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)

An ICD is an implantable device that uses low and high electrical impulses to restore normal heart rhythm.

Catheter ablation therapy

Catheter ablation therapy is an interventional cardiology procedure that delivers high-frequency electrical energy to the small area of tissue in the heart that is causing the abnormal rhythm.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes may include limiting caffeine, eating a heart-healthy diet, and finding healthy ways to manage stress.

Call Parto Heart & Vascular today or schedule your arrhythmia treatment evaluation online.