Understanding Arrhythmia and Rhythm Management
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Arrhythmia, also known as irregular heart rhythm, occurs when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. This can disrupt the normal pumping function of the heart and may lead to symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Arrhythmias can range from harmless to life-threatening, and effective management is crucial to maintain heart health.
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Common Types of Arrhythmias Include:
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Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): The most common type of arrhythmia, characterized by rapid, irregular heartbeats originating in the upper chambers of the heart (atria).
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Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Episodes of rapid heart rate originating above the heart's ventricles, often causing palpitations and shortness of breath.
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Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Rapid heart rhythm originating in the heart's lower chambers (ventricles), which can be life-threatening if sustained.
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Bradycardia: Slow heart rate, usually defined as less than 60 beats per minute, which can cause dizziness, fatigue, and fainting.
Our Services for Arrhythmia and Rhythm Management
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At James River Cardiology, we offer a comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to effectively manage arrhythmias and promote heart rhythm stability. Our team of skilled cardiologists and electrophysiologists specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias, providing personalized care tailored to each patient's needs.
Here are some of the services we offer:
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Diagnostic Procedures:
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Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): A non-invasive test to record the electrical activity of the heart and detect abnormal rhythms or signs of arrhythmia.
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Holter Monitoring: Continuous recording of the heart's electrical activity over a 72-hour period using a portable device, allowing for the detection of intermittent arrhythmias.
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Event/Remote Telemetry Monitoring: Similar to Holter monitoring but used for longer periods to capture infrequent or symptomatic arrhythmias.
Therapeutic Procedures:
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Cardiac Ablation: A minimally invasive procedure to treat certain types of arrhythmias by selectively destroying abnormal heart tissue that is causing the irregular rhythm.
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Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Placement: A device implanted under the skin to continuously monitor heart rhythm and deliver electrical shocks if life-threatening arrhythmias occur, preventing sudden cardiac death.
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Pacemaker Implantation: A device implanted under the skin to regulate the heart rate and rhythm by delivering electrical impulses to the heart when necessary, ensuring it beats at a steady pace.
Comprehensive Care for Heart Rhythm Stability
In addition to these procedures, we provide comprehensive management for arrhythmias, including medication management, lifestyle counseling, and ongoing monitoring to help patients manage their condition effectively and improve their quality of life. Our team is committed to staying at the forefront of research and innovation in arrhythmia management to offer our patients the best possible care.
If you're experiencing symptoms of arrhythmia or have concerns about your heart rhythm, don't hesitate to contact us for an evaluation. Together, we can develop a personalized treatment plan to address your needs and optimize your heart rhythm stability.
