Heart Rhythm Disorders
A heart-rhythm disorder, known as an arrhythmia, is characterized by abnormal heart beat — too fast, too slow or uneven. Many arrhythmias don't pose a serious health danger, but for patients who require treatment, arrhythmia specialists with Tennova Cardiology have the training and expertise to provide appropriate care.
East Tennessee Heart Consultants utilizes technology to measure the heart's electrical activity and identify damage to the heart. Doctors use tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), electrophysiology studies or a Holter monitor, which records heart activity over a period of time, to diagnose arrhythmias.
Depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia, there are a range of treatment options. East Tennessee heart doctors provide arrhythmia treatment from lifestyle modification assistance to highly complex surgical treatment:
- Lifestyle modification and medical management – Stress, caffeine, alcohol or other substances can contribute to arrhythmias. Cardiologists provide education and resources to help you adopt healthier lifestyle habits to eliminate arrhythmias. When lifestyle changes are insufficient, arrhythmia specialists can develop a treatment plan using medications.
- Cardioversion – Fast arrhythmias can be treated by delivering an electrical shock to the heart, utilizing an ECG monitor and a defibrillator.
- Catheter ablation – A tiny catheter-guided electrode can be used to eliminate abnormal heart cells that are causing the arrhythmia.
- Implantable devices – Placed just under the skin, small devices can be used to send electrical signals to the heart to regulate heartbeat. A pacemaker is used to regulate a slow heartbeat, and a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is used to regulate a fast heartbeat (defibrillation).
- Surgical ablation – When other treatment options are insufficient, arrhythmia specialists can perform surgery to remove the tissue that is causing the arrhythmia.