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Arrhythymia is a common abnormality in the heart's electrical system that causes the heart to beat irregularly, too slowly or too quickly. When this happens, the pumping action of the heart may be affected. Many people with arrhythmias have no symptoms, but others may complain of palpitations, heart racing, dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue or fainting.
How is it diagnosed?
How is it treated?
How does Advocate Christ Medical Center make a difference?
Frequently Asked Questions
How is it diagnosed?
Several different techniques are used to diagnose arrhythmias:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and detects heart muscle damage.
- Echocardiogram - creates a two-dimensional picture of the cardiovascular system and can also produce accurate assessment of the velocity of blood and cardiac tissue at any arbitrary point using pulsed or continuous wave Doppler ultrasound.
- Angiography - this form of imaging allows your doctor to view blood flow through your arteries as it happens. By injecting a contrast material (dye) into your blood vessels, your doctor is able to trace the flow of the contrast material using imaging machines. Angiography can be done using X-ray imaging or procedures called magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or computed tomography angiography (CTA).
- Holter monitoring - gets a continuous reading of your heart rate and rhythm over a 24-hour period (or more). You wear a recording device (the Holter monitor), which is connected to small metal disks on your chest. Doctors can then look at a printout of the recording to find out what causes your arrhythmia.
- Transtelephonic monitoring - documents problems that may not be detected within a 24-hour period. The devices used for this type of test are smaller than a Holter monitor. One of the devices is about the size of a beeper, while the other device is worn like a wristwatch.
- Electrophysiology (EPS) studies - are usually performed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory. In this procedure, a long, thin tube (called a catheter) is inserted through an artery in your leg and guided to your heart. A map of electrical impulses from your heart is sent through the wire to find out what kind of arrhythmia you have and where it starts. During the study, doctors can give you controlled electrical impulses to show how your heart reacts. Medicines may also be tested at this time to see which ones will stop the arrhythmia.
How is it treated?
Treatment of arrhythmia depends on the type of arrhythmia and the patient's age and physical condition. It can include:
- Relaxation techniques to reduce stress, and limiting intake of caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and stimulant drugs.
- Medication.
- Radiofrequency catheter ablation - a non-surgical treatment for certain fast heart rhythms. Radiofrequency waves destroy the part of the abnormal electrical pathway that causes the fast heart rhythm.
- Cardioversion - is used to treat some fast and/or irregular abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Under anesthesia, an electrical shock is delivered to the heart through paddles that are placed on the chest. This electrical shock restores the normal heart rate and rhythm.
- Pacemaker - a small device that is surgically implanted into the chest. The pacemaker continuously monitors the heart rate and will deliver an electrical impulse when needed to maintain a normal heart rate. Pacemakers are usually implanted when the heart rate is too slow.
- Internal Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) - a surgically implanted device that delivers therapies to treat potentially fatal fast heart rhythms such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. The ICD continuously monitors the heart rhythm and will deliver therapy only when necessary.
How does Advocate Christ Medical Center make a difference?
Advocate Christ Medical Center physicians are leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. Our Arrhythmia Center is at the forefront with new techniques to evaluate and manage patients with irregular heart rates and rhythms. Christ Medical Center offers a full range of electrophysiological services, from arrhythmia detection and monitoring to ablations and drug treatment. We treat a variety of arrhythmia disorders, including atrial fibrillation, atrial and ventricular tachycardia, heart block, and Syncope. In addition, we are one of the nation's busiest centers when it comes to implanting pacemakers and defibrillators.
The Arrhythmia Center, now one of the busiest of its kind in the region, ensures that all our medical team members are in one place so patients benefit from their collective experience and the multi-disciplinary approach we take to medicine.
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