Mercy Gilbert’s full range of heart services includes the diagnosis of irregular heartbeats and arrhythmia treatments. The equipment and technology in our electrophysiology lab allows the electrophysiology team to better identify and treat arrhythmia. Our doctors are recognized among Phoenix area "Top Docs" for treating complex arrhythmia disorders such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular arrhythmias, and ventricular tachycardia.
What is irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia?
In a normal heart, all four chambers work together to pump blood throughout the body. Blood is pumped through the chambers using your heart's electrical system. But when your heart's electrical system is damaged or weak, your heart can slow down, speed up or lose coordination. This is a condition called arrhythmia. Irregular heartbeat and arrhythmia can be caused by a number of factors. But unusual and persistent heartbeat irregularity can be a sign of a very serious heart condition.
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (also called Afib) is a type of irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. With atrial fibrillation, the electrical signals in your heart short circuit. This results in a chaotic, rapid heart rate. When the atria (the two upper chambers of the heart) do not contract effectively, the blood may pool and/or clot. If a blood clot becomes lodged in an artery in the brain, a stroke may occur.
Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:
Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia can be a result of several other problems or conditions. The most common include:
If you are suffering from arrhythmia your doctor will determine the best course of treatment for you. There are many surgical and non-surgical treatments available such as:
If you have questions about irregular heartbeats or any other heart disease questions, please email us at [email protected].
