Cardiac arrhythmias are disturbances in the normal rhythm of the heartbeat. The heart may beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or with an irregular rhythm. These abnormal heart rhythms occur when the electrical signals that coordinate heartbeats aren't working properly. Arrhythmias range from harmless to life-threatening, depending on the type and severity.
This records the electrical activity of your heart using sensors (electrodes) attached to your chest and sometimes your limbs. An ECG can reveal if your heart is beating too fast, too slow, or irregularly.
This portable ECG device is worn for 24 to 48 hours or longer to record your heart's activity as you go about your daily routine.
This portable ECG device is used to detect arrhythmias that occur sporadically. You activate it when you feel symptoms, and it records and stores your heart's electrical activity for your doctor to review later.
This noninvasive test uses sound waves to create detailed images of your heart's structure and motion.
Some arrhythmias are triggered or worsened by exercise. During a stress test, you'll exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle while your heart activity is monitored.
In this test, thin, flexible tubes (catheters) tipped with electrodes are threaded through your blood vessels to various spots in your heart. Once in place, the electrodes can map the spread of electrical impulses through your heart and identify the source of arrhythmias.
Adopting heart-healthy habits can help manage arrhythmias. These include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a heart-healthy diet, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and managing stress.
Various drugs can help control arrhythmias, including antiarrhythmic drugs, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants (blood thinners), and antiplatelet drugs. The type of medication prescribed depends on the type and severity of your arrhythmia.
This procedure can restore a normal heart rhythm by sending an electrical shock to your heart. It's typically used when emergency care is needed or when medications haven't worked.
Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or tai chi. Chronic stress can trigger or worsen arrhythmias in some people.
Both caffeine and alcohol can trigger arrhythmias in some people. Consider reducing or eliminating these substances from your diet if they seem to trigger your symptoms.
Dehydration can affect the concentration of electrolytes in your blood, potentially triggering arrhythmias. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Regular, moderate exercise can improve heart health and may help prevent or manage arrhythmias. Always consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
Poor sleep can trigger arrhythmias in some people. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
A procedure to destroy small areas of heart tissue that may be causing your arrhythmia. Catheters are threaded through blood vessels to your heart, and the tips of the catheters use heat (radiofrequency ablation) or extreme cold (cryoablation) to destroy the problem areas.
A small device implanted under the skin of your chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms. Pacemakers use electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate when it's beating too slowly.
If you're experiencing symptoms of cardiac arrhythmias, our expert team is here to help you find the right treatment approach for your specific needs.