Arrhythmias Treated by Board Certified Cardiologists in Baltimore

Arrhythmias are disturbances of the regular heart rhythm. Heartbeats may be:

• Too fast (tachycardia – more than 100 beats/minute)
• Too slow (bradycardia - less than 60 beats/minute)
• Irregular heartbeat – skipped or extra beats

Arrhythmias can occur in a healthy heart and be of little significance or they may point to an underlying heart problem. Types of arrhythmias are:

• Atrial fibrillation - heartbeat irregular and too fast
• Paroxysmal atria tachycardia – heartbeat regular but too fast
• Ectopic – extra heartbeats
• Ventricular tachycardia – heartbeat very fast and regular. If it lasts more than a few seconds it can be dangerous.
• Ventricular fibrillation – heartbeat very fast and uneven; heart just quivers, causing cardiac arrest. This is a medical emergency: call 911.

Symptoms may include:

• Palpitations
• Thumping feeling in chest
• Dizziness, fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Racing or fluttering heart sensation

If arrhythmias occur often or if episodes are prolonged, some or all of the following tests may be performed:

• Physical exam and medical history
• EKG
• Holter monitor/Event monitor
• Electrophysiologic studies (EPS)
• Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
• Tilt table test
• Cardiac catheterization
• Coronary angiography
• Blood tests

Treatment will depend on the type and severity of the arrhythmia. If it is mild no treatment may be needed. If treatment is necessary, it may include:

• Medications – anti-arrhythmics, blood thinners
• Medical procedures:
  • Pacemakers
  • Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
  • Tissue ablation using laser, cryotherapy or radiofrequency
  • Vagal maneuvers – as supervised by your doctor