Conditions Treated
An arrhythmia is an abnormality in the heart's rhythm — it may beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. While some arrhythmias are harmless and require no treatment, others can significantly affect quality of life or pose serious health risks if left untreated. Advances in diagnosis and device-based therapy now allow most rhythm disorders to be effectively managed.
Classification
Types of Rhythm Disorders
Arrhythmias are broadly classified by where they originate and how they affect heart rate:
Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
A common irregular, often rapid rhythm originating in the upper chambers of the heart, associated with an increased risk of stroke.
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Episodes of rapid heartbeat originating above the heart's lower chambers.
Ventricular arrhythmias
Rhythm disturbances originating in the heart's lower chambers, which can range from benign to life-threatening.
Bradyarrhythmias
Abnormally slow heart rhythms, including conduction system disorders such as heart block.
Sick sinus syndrome
Dysfunction of the heart's natural pacemaker, leading to irregular or slow heart rates.
Recognising the Signs
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia, and some people have no symptoms at all:
- Palpitations — a sensation of a racing, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- Fainting or near-fainting episodes
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue or reduced exercise capacity
- Chest discomfort, in some cases
Tailored Care
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type of arrhythmia, its cause, and its impact on the individual:
Lifestyle modification
Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and stress, where relevant.
Medications
To control heart rate or rhythm, and blood-thinning medication to reduce stroke risk in atrial fibrillation.
Catheter-based procedures
Such as ablation, to correct the abnormal electrical pathways causing certain arrhythmias.
Cardioversion
A controlled procedure to restore normal rhythm in select cases.
Implantable Devices
Device Therapy
For many rhythm disorders, particularly slow or life-threatening ones, implantable devices form a cornerstone of treatment:
Pacemakers
Implanted to treat slow heart rhythms and conduction disorders, restoring a normal, coordinated heartbeat.
Leadless pacemakers
A minimally invasive, single-component alternative to conventional pacemakers, suited to select patients.
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs)
Devices that monitor heart rhythm continuously and deliver a corrective shock if a dangerous rhythm is detected.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) devices
Used in patients with heart failure and specific conduction abnormalities to improve the coordination of the heart's contraction.
Ongoing follow-up, including periodic device checks, ensures that device-based therapies continue to function optimally over the long term.
Consult Dr. Godbole
Rhythm disorders, expertly managed
From atrial fibrillation to pacemaker and ICD therapy, a careful consultation is the first step towards restoring a stable, confident rhythm.
Director & Senior Consultant · Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital, Electronic City
