Heart Rhythm Disorders
Expert Care in Virginia for Atrial Fibrillation and Other Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are problems with the heart’s electrical system. They can make your heart beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Some arrhythmias are common and may cause symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, skipped beats, or fluttering in your chest.
Changes in the heart’s normal electrical pattern can also lead to lightheadedness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fainting, or fatigue.
While some arrhythmias are harmless and can occur in healthy hearts, others may signal a serious condition that could lead to heart failure, stroke, or heart attack.
Arrhythmia Treatment at Valley Health
The cardiac electrophysiology team at Valley Health’s Clyde A. Smith Heart & Vascular Center at Winchester Medical Center specializes in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders. Electrophysiology uses the heart’s electrical properties to restore a normal heartbeat.
Treatment Options Include:
- Cardioversion (controlled electric shock)
- Medications
- Ablation
- Pacemakers
- Implantable defibrillators
Ablation: A Minimally Invasive Option
Irregular heartbeats occur when electrical signals in the heart are out of sync. Ablation targets and disables the cells causing the problem, restoring a regular rhythm. Today, this procedure is performed using minimally invasive techniques through small catheters inserted in blood vessels in the leg.
Types of ablation offered at Valley Health:
- Pulsed field ablation: Uses nonthermal electrical pulses to treat targeted heart tissue with less risk to surrounding areas.
- Cryoablation: Freezes the tissue causing arrhythmias.
- Radiofrequency ablation: Uses short bursts of radiofrequency energy to correct abnormal rhythms.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
AFib is the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting 3 to 6 million Americans. It causes an irregular, often rapid heartbeat. Some people have no symptoms, while others may experience:
- Fatigue
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Fluttering or pounding in the chest
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
AFib increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications. Treatment often includes medications or procedures to restore normal rhythm and reduce stroke risk.
Stroke Prevention in AFib
AFib raises stroke risk because blood clots can form in the left atrial appendage (LAA) and travel to the brain. Blood-thinning medications are commonly used to prevent clots.
For patients who cannot take blood thinners, Valley Health offers an alternative: implantable devices that seal off the LAA. This minimally invasive procedure helps prevent clots from entering the bloodstream and causing a stroke.
Conditions That May Require Ablation
Ventricular Arrhythmias
Ventricular tachycardia starts in the lower chambers of the heart and causes a dangerously fast heartbeat. Symptoms include lightheadedness and fainting. Treatment may involve medications or ablation. For sustained ventricular tachycardia, specialists may implant a cardiac defibrillator to prevent sudden cardiac death.
Bradycardia
Bradycardia is a slow heart rate. Mild cases may not need treatment, but severe cases can cause fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath. In these cases, a pacemaker can restore a normal rate. Valley Health offers leadless pacemakers that are smaller and implanted directly in the heart using a minimally invasive approach.
Take the Next Step
If you have symptoms of an arrhythmia or have been diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder, talk with your doctor about treatment options at Valley Health.
