Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained heart rhythm disorder. It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat rapidly and irregularly.

Instead of a coordinated heartbeat, the atria quiver, causing the heart rhythm to become irregular.

Common Symptoms

• Irregular heartbeat

• Racing heart

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

• Reduced exercise capacity

• Dizziness

Some patients have no symptoms.

Why Is AFib Important?

AFib can increase the risk of:

• Stroke

• Heart failure

• Hospitalization

• Reduced quality of life

Treatment Options

Lifestyle Changes

• Weight management

• Blood pressure control

• Treatment of sleep apnea

• Limiting excessive alcohol consumption

• Regular exercise

Medications

• Heart rate control medications

• Rhythm control medications

• Blood thinners to reduce stroke risk

Catheter Ablation

Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure performed through small tubes inserted into blood vessels. The goal is to eliminate abnormal electrical signals that trigger AFib.

Many patients experience significant symptom improvement after ablation.

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

What Is SVT?

SVT refers to a group of rapid heart rhythms that originate above the lower chambers of the heart.

These episodes often start and stop suddenly.

Common Symptoms

• Sudden rapid heartbeat

• Palpitations

• Dizziness

• Shortness of breath

• Chest discomfort

• Anxiety

Is SVT Dangerous?

Most SVTs are not life-threatening but can significantly affect quality of life.

Treatment Options

Vagal Maneuvers

Simple techniques such as bearing down or applying cold water to the face may sometimes stop an episode.

Medications

Certain medications can help prevent or stop episodes.

Catheter Ablation

For many forms of SVT, catheter ablation offers a highly effective treatment with excellent long-term success rates.

Atrial Flutter

What Is Atrial Flutter?

Atrial flutter is another abnormal rhythm arising from the upper chambers of the heart. It is caused by a rapidly circulating electrical signal.

Symptoms often resemble atrial fibrillation.

Common Symptoms

• Rapid heartbeat

• Palpitations

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

Treatment Options

• Blood thinners when appropriate

• Medications

• Cardioversion

• Catheter ablation

Ablation for typical atrial flutter is often highly successful.

Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)

What Are PVCs?

PVCs are extra heartbeats that originate from the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles).

Many healthy individuals experience occasional PVCs.

Symptoms

• Skipped beats

• Fluttering sensations

• Strong heartbeat after a pause

When Do PVCs Need Treatment?

Treatment may be recommended when:

• Symptoms are significant

• PVCs occur very frequently

• Heart function becomes affected

Treatment Options

• Observation and reassurance

• Lifestyle modification

• Medications

• Catheter ablation

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

What Is VT?

Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid rhythm originating from the ventricles.

Some forms are relatively benign, while others can be serious and potentially life-threatening.

Symptoms

• Palpitations

• Dizziness

• Fainting

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

Treatment Options

• Medications

• Catheter ablation

• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)

The most appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause and individual patient factors.

Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rhythm)

What Is Bradycardia?

Bradycardia occurs when the heart beats too slowly.

While some athletes naturally have slower heart rates, others may develop symptoms due to problems with the heart's electrical system.

Symptoms

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Fainting

• Exercise intolerance

• Shortness of breath

Treatment

When symptoms are caused by an abnormal slow heart rhythm, a pacemaker may be recommended.

Pacemakers

What Is a Pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a small implanted device that helps maintain an appropriate heart rate when the heart's natural electrical system is too slow.

Benefits

• Improved energy levels

• Reduced dizziness and fainting

• Improved quality of life

Pacemakers continuously monitor heart rhythm and provide electrical support only when needed.

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs)

What Is an ICD?

An ICD is a specialized device designed to detect and treat dangerous ventricular arrhythmias.

If a life-threatening rhythm occurs, the ICD can deliver therapy to restore a normal rhythm.

Who May Need an ICD?

Patients with:

• Certain forms of heart failure

• Previous cardiac arrest

• High-risk ventricular arrhythmias

• Specific inherited heart conditions

Catheter Ablation

What Is Catheter Ablation?

Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat many heart rhythm disorders.

Thin catheters are advanced through blood vessels into the heart. Advanced mapping technology helps identify abnormal electrical pathways, which can then be treated with heat energy (radiofrequency ablation) or cold energy (cryoablation).

Conditions Commonly Treated with Ablation

• Atrial fibrillation

• Atrial flutter

• SVT

• PVCs

• Ventricular tachycardia

Benefits

• Reduction or elimination of symptoms

• Reduced dependence on medications

• Improved quality of life

• Potential long-term cure for certain arrhythmias

Heart Rhythm Monitoring

Accurate diagnosis often requires monitoring the heart rhythm over time.

Common monitoring tools include:

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

A quick test performed in the office that records the heart's electrical activity.

Holter Monitor

A portable monitor worn continuously for 24–48 hours.

Event Monitor

Used for longer monitoring periods when symptoms occur less frequently.

Implantable Loop Recorder

A small monitor implanted beneath the skin that can record heart rhythms for several years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are heart rhythm disorders common?

Yes. Millions of people worldwide live with arrhythmias.

Can stress cause palpitations?

Stress, anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, poor sleep, and dehydration can all contribute to palpitations.

Is catheter ablation open-heart surgery?

No. Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure performed through blood vessels without opening the chest.

Will I need blood thinners forever if I have AFib?

Not necessarily. The decision depends on your individual stroke risk factors and should be discussed with your physician.

Can exercise help?

For many patients, regular physical activity is beneficial. Your physician can provide recommendations tailored to your condition.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Call emergency services or seek urgent medical care if you experience:

• Chest pain

• Severe shortness of breath

• Loss of consciousness

• Symptoms of stroke (facial drooping, arm weakness, difficulty speaking)

• Sustained rapid heart rhythm with severe symptoms