Treatment of Abnormal Heart Rhythms

In this exploration brought to you by Cardiovascular Specialists of York, we look into four significant heart rhythm disorders, shed light on their symptoms, and recap the diverse array of treatment options available to restore the heart's cadence to a healthier rhythm.

We want to highlight that this information should not be taken as medical advice. If you’d like to consult with a licensed cardiologist, then consider Cardiovascular Specialists of York. Call us today to speak with a member of our team.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, stands out as one of the most prevalent and serious heart rhythm disorders. In AFib, the heart's upper chambers, the atria, quiver instead of contracting effectively, leading to an irregular heartbeat. Symptoms include:

• Palpitations (sensations of rapid, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or fainting
• Chest discomfort or pain

Anti-arrhythmic drugs to regulate heart rhythm, anticoagulants to prevent blood clots, or a cardioversion are common treatment options. A catheter ablation, or a procedure to destroy or scar tissue in the heart causing abnormal electrical signals, may be necessary in rare cases.

Ventricular Tachycardia

Ventricular tachycardia involves rapid, regular beating of the heart's lower chambers, the ventricles. It can be a life-threatening condition, especially when sustained. Watch out for symptoms such as:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Chest pain or discomfort

In addition to anti-arrhythmic drugs to control heart rhythm, treatment options for ventricular tachycardia include an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) which monitors heart rhythm and delivers shocks to restore normalcy. A Catheter ablation may also be useful to tackle ventricular tachycardia.

Atrial Flutter

Atrial flutter shares similarities with AFib but involves a more organized pattern of contractions in the atria. Symptoms are similar with common indicators being:

• Fluttering sensations in the chest
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or fainting

Similar to those used for AFib, treatment options for atrial flutter include medications, catheter ablation, and cardioversion among others.

Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular fibrillation is a chaotic and life-threatening arrhythmia characterized by rapid, erratic contractions of the ventricles. The warning flags for ventricular fibrillation is typically more severe, including:

• Loss of consciousness
• No pulse or extremely weak pulse
• Gasping or no breathing

This heart rhythm disorder typically requires immediate cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to sustain blood flow until normal rhythm is restored. Delivering electric shocks with an automated external defibrillator (AED) can reset the heart's rhythm and medication during and after resuscitation can be used to stabilize the heart.

Concluding Notes

While these heart rhythm disorders present serious health risks, progress in medical science has provided a diverse range of treatment options. The choice of treatment depends on the specific type of arrhythmia, its severity, and individual patient factors.

It is always advisable to consult with your primary care physician or specialized heart doctor if you experience symptoms suggestive of a heart rhythm disorder. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional, often a cardiologist or electrophysiologist, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and the formulation of an effective treatment plan.

Residents in the area are welcomed to call Cardiovascular Specialists of York to schedule an appointment or walk-in for as soon as possible.