Arrhythmias

Do you sometimes feel a pounding or fluttering in your chest, or like your heart just skipped a beat? Are you easily fatigued, suddenly light headed or short of breath? These could be signs of atrial fibrillation (A-fib), a type of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, that causes poor blood flow to the body. Left untreated, A-fib can increase your risk for stroke, heart failure and other serious complications.

Getting You Back in Rhythm

If an irregular heart rhythm is affecting your life and peace of mind, AtlantiCare can help. Our board-certified electrophysiologists (EPs) at the Rhythm Center use the latest techniques to diagnose and treat atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias. 

For more information and to make your appointment, call 1-888-569-1000.

Prevention & Detection

Risk factors for A-fib include obesity, sleep apnea, hypertension, age, diabetes, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. You can help prevent A-fib and its complications through simple changes. Take charge now with programs like our nationally recognized Ornish Lifestyle Medicine™ and free smoking cessation classes.

To diagnose atrial fibrillation, one of our heart rhythm specialists will review your symptoms and medical history, and if needed, perform a variety of tests to monitor your heart’s electrical activity. Common options include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test uses small sensors (electrodes) attached to your chest and arms to record electrical signals as they travel through your heart.
• Echocardiogram: In this noninvasive test, sound waves are used to produce a video image of your heart in motion.
• Holter monitor: This portable ECG device is carried in your pocket or worn on a belt or shoulder strap. It records your heart's rhythms for 24 hours or longer, giving your doctor good insight into any problems.
• Zio Patch: This small, wireless, water-resistant adhesive patch can record and store heart data for up to 14 days. It is equipped with a trigger button you can activate when experiencing symptoms suggestive of arrhythmia, which creates a digital time stamp for your doctor to assess.
• Loop Recorder: This small electronic chip can be injected under the skin over the chest area to monitor heart rhythm for longer periods sometimes for few years. Loop recorders are useful to evaluate how often and how long the heart remains in atrial fibrillation.
• Blood tests: These help your doctor rule out thyroid problems or other substances in your blood that may lead to atrial fibrillation.
• Chest X-ray: These images help your doctor see the condition of your lungs and heart, and may help diagnose conditions other than A-fib that may explain your signs and symptoms.

Personalized Treatment Plans

If we detect A-fib or another issue, your electrophysiologist will work with you and your primary care physician to find the right treatment. Depending on the type of arrhythmia and how serious it is, your personal plan may include:

• Medications: Medication is often a good first treatment to help manage A-fib, especially if you have mild symptoms.
• Pacemakers: If the heart rate slows down frequently, a pacemaker can help. This small device, a little bit larger than a dollar coin, is inserted under the skin over the chest area and connected with wires that go in the heart. The pacemaker paces the heart and prevents it from slowing down.
• Cardioversion: This simple procedure delivers electrical energy across the chest to restore normal rhythm. Patient can go home right after the procedure.
• Ablation: This minimally invasive, highly effective procedure targets the source of the problem. A thin, flexible wire, called a catheter, is threaded into a vein in your groin and up into your heart. Electrodes on the end of the catheter create a 3D map of your heart, allowing your doctor to pinpoint the tissue causing the abnormal patterns. The catheter then sends mild, painless radio waves to treat those small areas, restoring your regular rhythm.
• Cryoablation: This innovative technique uses cold energy to freeze small areas of heart tissue to fix irregular rhythms. The process involves inserting a special balloon catheter into a blood vessel to reach the heart and find the exact location of the disruptive activity. The balloon is then inflated with coolant and placed against the opening of the vein for several minutes. This seals the vein temporarily and halts the abnormal electrical signal there.
• Convergent procedure: Convergent combines the best of both traditional catheter and surgical ablation to restore normal heart rhythm for long-suffering A-fib patients. The two-part surgery involves ablating inside and outside of the heart. First, a cardiac surgeon makes three small abdominal incisions to send a video-scope and catheter to the back of your heart. The surgeon uses radiofrequency to create scar tissue that stops electrical activity causing your A-fib. Then, an electrophysiologist threads a catheter through your groin to reach the inside of the heart, using liquid nitrogen to freeze areas that are triggering abnormal electrical signals.

Support Programs

In addition to our ongoing A-fib follow-up care, AtlantiCare the education, tools and resources you need for your heart-healthiest life. Explore our ongoing education and support programs, including free classes like Matters of the Heart, a monthly series where our cardiovascular experts discuss a wide range of topics and answer any questions you may have.

 To Learn More, View Our AFib Guide.