Common Heart Rhythm Disorders and Their Treatment

There are many heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) that can develop due to congenital, genetic, or lifestyle factors. Heart rhythm disorders cause your heart to beat irregularly. As a result, you may experience dizziness, chest pain, and anxiety, as well as near-fainting or fainting spells.

Fortunately, the cardiology department at Wooster Community Hospital can diagnose and treat any cardiovascular disease or heart arrhythmia issue you are experiencing.

Examples of Arrhythmias

Atrial fibrillation (AFib), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, and sick sinus syndrome are common examples of arrhythmias.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) occurs when you have chaotic electrical signaling in the atria, which is the top section of the heart. The impulses cause the top portion of your heart to beat rapidly and irregularly.

Sometimes, AFib is temporary, but it can continue unless you receive medical attention. When AFib is left without treatment, your risk of heart disease and stroke increases because blood doesn’t flow throughout your body properly.

Supraventricular Tachycardia

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a form of tachycardia that affects the area above the lower chambers of the heart. This heart rhythm disorder occurs when the supraventricular portion of the heart beats more than 100 beats per minute. It can give you the sensation of your heart racing. Treatment for this type of heart arrhythmia can prevent your heart from weakening and heart failure, which tends to occur if you have other health conditions along with SVT.

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome occurs when you have an extra electrical pathway between the top and bottom portions of the heart. This is a congenital condition, but it’s possible you won’t experience any problems until you reach adulthood. With this condition, you will experience rapid heart beating that happens abruptly. This can happen when you’re at rest or when physically active. Some people experience symptoms when they consume caffeine.

Sick Sinus Syndrome

Sick sinus syndrome is when your sinus node – the part of your heart that regulates heartbeat – develops a disease or is dysfunctional. As a result, you can develop an irregular heart rhythm. You may have a heartbeat that’s too slow or too fast due to this condition. Sometimes, it alternates between too fast and too slow.

Treatment for Arrhythmias

The treatment for an arrhythmia depends on the specific type you have as well as the severity of it. For instance, your doctor may prescribe beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers to slow down the heart rate.

For example, for SVT, you may receive a medication that restores or controls your heart rate, although most people don’t require medication for this condition. Sometimes, surgery is necessary for severe cases of some form of arrhythmia. Surgery involves fixing the root cause of the arrhythmia.

Cardiologist in Wooster, OH

At Wooster Community Hospital, you can get the cardiology care you need from talented and highly experienced cardiologists. We also have an emergency room where you can get critical medical attention immediately. If you suspect you have an arrhythmia or need to get a previously diagnosed arrhythmia under control, visit our cardiology experts.

Book an appointment with Wooster Community Hospital, serving Wooster and the surrounding areas, to determine if you have a heart arrhythmia and get the treatment you need. Call us at 330-263-8100 today.