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Is an Irregular Heartbeat Cause for Concern?
In novels, it’s romantic when someone’s heart skips a beat. But in real life, a fluttering feeling in the chest could be the sign of a serious arrhythmia — a problem with the heart’s speed or rhythm.
A normal rhythm, controlled by the heart’s natural pacemaker known as the sinus node, is a function of the heart’s electrical system and keeps the heart contracting at a healthy pace, playing an important role in good circulation.
When the heart’s electrical system does not allow blood to circulate effectively, a person is at an increased risk for serious or even fatal health problems. An abnormal heart rhythm may manifest with palpitations, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.
Help for Abnormal Heart Rhythms
Cardiac electrophysiology is the study of the electrical activity of the heart. It addresses the management of abnormal heart rhythms, as well as ways to help keep the heart beating at a healthy rhythm. Electrophysiology (EP) studies are sometimes used to:- Diagnose arrhythmia symptoms
- Evaluate medication effectiveness
- Predict future cardiac event risk
- Assess the need for an implantable device, such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, or loop recorder
Beginning in July, EP studies will be available at Faith Regional CardioVascular Institute. Until now, patients had to travel out of area for this level of care.
The nonsurgical procedure is a specialized catheter-based technique used to diagnose and cure various cardiac arrhythmias. EP studies are recommended for patients with symptoms indicative of heart rhythm disorders or for people who may be at risk for sudden cardiac death.
An electrophysiologist, a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal heart rhythms, performs the EP study with a team of specially trained health care professionals, technicians, and nurses who assist in the procedure.
Protect Yourself
Some arrhythmias are harmless. Others can reduce your heart’s ability to pump enough blood or stop your heartbeat completely. To stay safe:- Know the symptoms and call 911 if you experience any for more than five minutes. These include a fast or irregular heartbeat with anxiety, sweating, dizziness, or chest pain.
- Find ways to deal with stress, which can trigger arrhythmias and heart attacks. Try yoga, meditation, or simply talking with a friend.