Arrhythmia (Abnormal Heart Rhythm)
Description
Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) occur when the electrical impulses in your heart that coordinate your heartbeats don't function properly, causing the heart to beat too fast, too slow or irregularly. The major causes of this disorder are heart attacks, congestive heart failure, congenital heart problems, and diseases of the heart valves.
Symptoms
Palpitations (heart racing), light-headedness, shortness of breath, fainting, anxiety, chest pain.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests may include: blood tests to rule out electrolyte or thyroid abnormality, and an echocardiogram to determine structural heart defect. At times a Holter monitor is used to monitor the heart for a prolonged period of time, 24 hours or more.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Troponin
- EKG
Treatment
Treatment is based on the cause of the arrhythmia and may include medications, or electrophysiologic (EP) evaluation and treatment. An EP study involves a cardiac catheterization to isolate and remove the cause of the arrhythmia. For more information contact the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Health Information Center at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov or call (301)592-8573
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