Heart Rhythm Disorders
We Treat Heart Rhythm Disorders in Sugar Land, TX
Complete Cardiology Care specializes in treating heart rhythm disorders in Sugar Land, TX. Your heart shouldn’t skip a beat, but we’re the team to call if it’s out of rhythm. Heart rhythm disorders, or arrythmias, can significantly affect your heart’s ability to work efficiently and keep the rest of your body running smoothly. However, the right diagnosis and treatment can help you manage your condition and lead a healthier life. We’re experts at both, so let us explain heart rhythm disorders, their causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention.
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What Are Heart Rhythm Disorders?
Heart rhythm disorders occur when your heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Normally, your heart has a steady rhythm dictated by electrical signals that tell it how and when to pump blood. A disruption in these signals can lead to various forms of arrhythmias, which sometimes feel like fluttering, racing, or pounding in your chest. While occasional irregularities may not be severe, persistent or extreme arrhythmias demand attention. Otherwise, they can lead to serious health issues like blood clots or heart failure.
Types of Heart Rhythm Disorders
Heart rhythm disorders come in several forms, each with its own characteristics and potential risks. Some of the most common heart rhythm disorder types include:
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common and potentially serious forms of arrhythmia. It occurs when the upper chambers of your heart quiver instead of beating normally. This can lead to an irregular and often rapid heart rate, increasing the risk of stroke and other complications.
Atrial Flutter
Similar to AFib, atrial flutter causes irregular rhythms in the atria. However, this condition is typically more organized than the constant quivering of AFib. Regardless, it can still lead to blood clots or strokes without treatment.
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
VT refers to a fast heart rhythm originating in the ventricles. Ventricular tachycardia can become life-threatening if it prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively.
Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)
VF is a serious condition where the ventricles quiver rather than contract properly. This type of arrhythmia usually requires immediate medical intervention to prevent sudden cardiac arrest.
Bradyarrhythmia
When your heart beats unusually slowly, it’s known as bradyarrhythmia. While occasional slow heartbeats can be normal, consistent bradyarrhythmia may indicate a problem with the heart’s electrical system.
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
SVT leads to a rapid heartbeat caused by electrical impulses above the ventricles. While often non-life-threatening, its sudden onset can be uncomfortable and disruptive.
Premature Beats
Premature beats happen when your heart skips or adds a beat. These extra or missed beats are usually harmless but may warrant a follow-up if they become frequent or troublesome.
Heart Rhythm Disorder Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of a heart rhythm disorder is a crucial step in getting proper treatment. Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity but often include:
- A fluttering or racing heartbeat
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Fainting or near fainting
- Chronic fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort or pain
Risk Factors for Heart Rhythm Disorders
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing arrhythmias. Among them are medical conditions like sleep apnea and thyroid disorders. Some risk factors you should know are:
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease
- Diabetes
- Underlying heart conditions or previous heart surgeries
- Lifestyle factors like excessive caffeine, alcohol, or smoking
- Age and family history
How to Diagnose Heart Rhythm Disorders
Doctors rely on several tools for a heart rhythm disorder diagnosis and to pinpoint arrhythmias. Our team often uses electrocardiograms to record a patient’s electrical activity. Additional procedures include Holter monitoring to track your heart’s rhythm over 24-48 hours, stress tests to evaluate how your heart responds to exercise, and echocardiograms for a detailed look at the heart’s structure and function.
Heart Rhythm Disorder Treatment
There are numerous heart rhythm disorder cures and treatments available. They range from non-invasive methods to surgical options, including:
- Lifestyle adjustments, such as regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and limiting caffeine and alcohol
- Medications to control heart rate or rhythm and prevent complications like blood clots
- Medical procedures like catheter ablation or the use of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to regulate heartbeats
The team at Complete Cardiology Care will be with you every step of the way and will determine the best treatment option for you.
Living With Heart Rhythm Disorders
Managing a heart rhythm disorder often means staying proactive. Following your physician’s guidance, taking medications as prescribed, and adopting healthy habits will help you improve your well-being and live a fuller life. We also recommend regular check-ups with the Complete Cardiology Care team to minimize your symptoms.
Our Prevention Strategies
While not all arrhythmias can be prevented, lowering your risk is possible. Our experts recommend the following prevention strategies:
- Stick to a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious foods and regular physical activity.
- Avoid smoking and manage stress effectively.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.
- Keep high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes under control through a combination of medication and lifestyle efforts.
Contact Our Specialists Today
Heart rhythm disorders don’t have to disrupt your life. With advances in heart rhythm disorder diagnosis and treatment, you can take charge of your heart health and feel like yourself again. Contact us in Sugar Land, TX, today to take the first step.