Cardiac Arrhythmias / Abnormal Electrical activity of the Heart

An arrhythmia is a condition caused by a problem in the heart’s electrical system. It may cause a fast, slow, or temporary pause in the heart beat. Abnormal rhythms may cause the heart to function less efficiently 

An arrhythmia occurs:

• When the heart’s natural pacemaker (the sinoatrial node) adopts an abnormal rate or rhythm.
• When the normal conduction path is interrupted.
• When another part of the heart starts to work as the pacemaker.

Causes of arrhythmias:

Many arrhythmias do not have a known cause. However various factors that can contribute to arrhythmias include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and stress. Sometimes substances (certain over-the-counter and prescription medications, nutritional supplements, and herb-based remedies) cause arrhythmias in some people. Some prescription medications can contribute to appearance of arrhythmias.

What are signs of arrhythmia?

• When brief, it may barely be noticed, like a skipped heartbeat
• It may feel like fluttering of the chest or neck
• When it lasts longer, it impacts how well the heart works. If not enough blood is pumped to the body, symptoms can include feeling tired or lightheaded and even passing out.
• Tachycardia can reduce the heart’s ability to pump, which can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness. If severe, it can cause heart attack or death.

Electrophysiology services that we provide

• Holter/Event Monitoring and Recording
• Pacemaker Implantation and Monitoring
• Defibrillator Implantation
• CRT Device
• Implantable Loop Recorders