Arrhythmia/SVT

Arrhythmia means your heart beats irregularly - sometimes too slow, too fast, or with an odd rhythm.

Normally, your heart speeds up when you're active and slows down when you're resting. But if it's irregular a lot, it might not be pumping enough blood to your body. This can make you feel dizzy, faint, or have other problems.

Arrhythmia is sometimes referred to as Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT).

Types of arrhythmia

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Fast and irregular heartbeat
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Fast heart rhythm in the lower heart chambers or ventricles
Atrial Flutter: Fast and regular heartbeats in the upper heart chambers
Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib): Chaotic and fast heart rhythm in the lower heart chambers
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Rapid heart rhythms above the lower chambers
Bradycardia: Abnormally slow heart rate
Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS): Irregular heartbeat due to sinus node dysfunction
Long QT Syndrome (LQTS): Genetic disorder causing abnormal heart rhythms

What is an arrhythmia caused by?

Arrhythmia can result from various factors disrupting the heart's electrical signals:

Heart tissue damage or strain
Coronary artery disease
Fluid or electrolyte imbalance
Injuries from a heart attack
Cardiomyopathy
Post-heart surgery healing

What are the risk factors for arrhythmia?

Certain factors may increase the likelihood of heart arrhythmias:

High blood pressure
Sleep apnea
Certain medications and supplements
Excessive alcohol consumption

What are the symptoms of heart arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia symptoms include:

Fatigue or weakness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting or near-fainting episodes
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Shortness of breath and feelings of anxiety

Treating arrhythmia at HeartCare Texas

Arrhythmias can be treated with medicine or procedures to help control the irregular beats. If left untreated, they can harm your heart, brain, or other organs. This could lead to dangerous problems like stroke, heart failure, or even a sudden stop of the heart.

At HeartCare Texas, we're here to help. Our team knows how to diagnose and manage arrhythmias. We'll work with you to create a plan that keeps your heart healthy and your life on track. If you think you might have an irregular heartbeat, schedule a consultation with us for expert care.