Heart arrhythmia treatment in Austin, Texas
As part of our commitment to providing high-quality heart care, the cardiologists at St. David's Medical Center offer services for heart arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms). We use advanced technology to diagnose and treat arrhythmias and resolve your irregular heartbeat.
For more information about our heart arrhythmia services, call St. David's Medical Center at (512) 544-7111.
What is a heart arrhythmia?
Your heartbeat is coordinated by electrical signals that are sent to the heart. When your heart's electrical system does not function properly, your heart rhythm can become too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia) or irregular. This irregular heartbeat is referred to as a heart arrhythmia.
Although some heart arrhythmias may be harmless, some can lead to dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath and even a heart attack or stroke. It may also be a signal of underlying heart disease.
Types of heart arrhythmias
Types of arrhythmias include:
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Atrial flutter
- Premature atrial contractions
- Premature ventricular complex (PVC)
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), or paroxysmal SVT
- Sick sinus syndrome
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Ventricular fibrillation
AFib
The most common type of heart arrhythmia is AFib. There are a few potential causes of AFib, including environmental, behavioral or genetic factors. It is often found in patients with atherosclerosis, angina (chest pain), hypertension or lung conditions. AFib is also commonly associated with conditions such as heart failure.
Symptoms of AFib
Patients with AFib may not experience any symptoms. For those who do, symptoms may include:
- Difficulty exercising
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
- Fatigue or weakness
- Irregular or rapid pulse or heart beat
- Pain or pressure in the chest
- Palpitations or a pounding feeling in the chest
- Racing feeling in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
Diagnosing heart arrhythmias
If a patient experiences symptoms of heart arrhythmia, our doctors will conduct imaging exams and diagnostic tests to determine the source of the condition.
These may include:
- Cardiac stress test
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Holter monitor
- Implantable loop recorder
Treating heart rhythm disorders
Depending on the type of irregular heartbeat you have, our cardiac specialists may suggest:
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation
- Pacemaker implantation
- Radiofrequency ablation
