Heart Rhythm Management

About This Treatment

Heart rhythm management focuses on identifying, evaluating, and treating irregular heartbeats also know as arrythmia. At Franciscan Health we offer comprehensive care to prevent complications and improve overall cardiac health. Even without obvious symptoms, an arrythmia can pose serious heath risks. Early attention to heart rhythm irregularities can reduce complications and improve outcomes.

The most common type of arrythmia, Atrial fibrillation (AFib), is a heart condition where the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and often at such a high rate that the heart can't pump blood effectively. This irregular heartbeat can cause blood to pool in the chambers and form clots, which may result in a stroke. Because this arrhythmia disrupts normal heart rhythm, timely evaluation and treatment are important. 

For some people arrythmia will not cause any noticeable symptoms. Others may experience dizziness, faintness, shortness of breath, palpitations from an irregular heartbeat, or chest pain. Staying alert to changes in heart rhythm is essential.

Arrhythmia risk factors

While some arrhythmias are not preventable, others can be avoided by decreasing your risk. Several factors can increase your risk for atrial fibrillation and other types of arrhythmia, including:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Hyperthyroidism
• Heart failure
• Heart disease
• Chronic lung disease, Emphysema or Asthma
• Sleep apnea

How is an arrhythmia diagnosed?

To diagnose an arrhythmia your primary care provider or cardiologist will do a physical examination, review heath history and if necessary, conduct heart monitoring tests that may include an electrocardiograms (EKG or ECG), echocardiogram and Holter monitoring.

How do I get connected to care?

If you have any concerns about your heart rhythm, an irregular heartbeat or are having symptoms, be sure to check with your primary care physician or cardiologist.

If you or someone you know is experiencing signs and symptoms of a heart attack, dial 911 immediately and, when necessary, administer CPR.