Compassionate Care for Ventricular Arrhythmia in Arizona

Abnormal heartbeats, or abnormal heart rhythms, in the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) occur when the heart’s electrical signaling system doesn’t work properly. These dangerous rhythms are called ventricular arrhythmias.

At Dignity Health, we offer a full range of care for heart conditions, including ventricular arrhythmia, in Arizona. We are a nationally recognized leader in heart and vascular care.

Find a Doctor online or call (844) 852-0648 to make an appointment for cardiovascular services at our St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center or Chandler Regional Medical Center locations.

It’s normal to have very brief episodes of ventricular arrhythmia. Odds are you will not notice it. However, if ventricular arrhythmia lasts for more than a moment, it requires immediate medical attention. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

What Causes Ventricular Arrhythmia?

Ventricular arrhythmias are caused by a disruption of the electrical impulses that control heart rate. The heart’s electrical system can become damaged or diseased due to:

• High cholesterol (coronary artery disease) or high blood pressure
• Previous heart attack
• Congenital heart defects
• Thyroid disease
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Recreational drug use
• Rheumatic fever
• Too much excessive stress
• Certain medications

Ventricular Arrhythmia Symptoms

Ventricular arrhythmia can be life threatening. The heart’s ventricles push blood out of the heart and into the rest of the body. A ventricular arrhythmia can make it impossible for enough blood to leave the heart and enter the circulation. This can lead to cardiac arrest.

Often the only sign of a ventricular arrhythmia is a heart attack. If a person experiences heart palpitations, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, or chest pain, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Ventricular arrhythmia is the most common — and treatable — cause of death by sudden cardiac arrest. All of our hospitals have been designated as a Cardiac Arrest Center by the Arizona Department of Health Services. That means we coordinate with local emergency medical personnel to provide specific lifesaving protocols before the patient arrives at the hospital and offer cardiac intervention capabilities 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Ventricular Arrhythmia Treatment at Dignity Health

The goals of treatment for ventricular arrhythmia include avoiding cardiac arrest, restoring a normal heart rhythm, and reducing the chance of a future episode. The most common treatments for a ventricular arrhythmia include:

• Defibrillation, applying an electrical impulse directly to the body
• Implanted pacemakers
• Implanted defibrillators
• Medications
• Cardiac surgical procedures

Automatic external defibrillators (AED)s are easy-to-use, lifesaving devices that permit anyone to rescue a victim of ventricular arrhythmia.

Dignity Health hospitals are Accredited Chest Pain Centers designated by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. This recognition is given to hospitals that have achieved a high level of expertise in treating patients who arrive with symptoms of a heart attack.