Heart Rhythm Conditions
Our physicians and staff ensure patients who suffer from cardiac arrhythmias get the information and treatments they need. We aim to restore your heart to its normal rhythm and prolong – and improve the quality of – your life.
In partnership with the Tulane University Heart and Vascular Institute, our cardiologists, electrophysiologists (cardiologists who specialize in arrhythmia treatment and diagnosis) and heart surgeons are involved and committed to pioneering new minimally invasive approaches and procedures. We are dedicated to providing thorough, compassionate care and recommending minimally invasive treatment whenever possible.
We specialize in treatment of patients who suffer from cardiac arrhythmias. Our expert physicians and healthcare professionals treat irregular heartbeats by providing focused, specialized care ranging from arrhythmia diagnosis and treatment to patient education and support.
What is an arrhythmia?
An arrhythmia is an abnormality in the heart’s rhythm, or heartbeat pattern. Examples include:
- Heartbeats that are too slow (bradycardia)
- Heartbeats that are too fast (tachycardia)
- Extra heartbeats
- Skipped heartbeats
- Beats coming from abnormal areas of the heart
Arrhythmia symptoms
While some arrhythmias may occur without the patient’s knowledge, others may cause noticeable symptoms, such as:
- Fainting
- Dizziness, sensation of light-headedness
- Sensation of heart fluttering (palpitations)
- Sensation of an extra or skipped heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Chest pain
Arrhythmia causes
Cardiac arrhythmias can occur in patients of any age. Some patients have arrhythmias that pose no danger to their health, but an arrhythmia can also indicate heart disease. An arrhythmia may also lead to congestive heart failure, serious heart problems and/or stroke.
Causes of heart arrhythmias are varied, but include:
- Heart attack
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Irregular thyroid function
Types of arrhythmia
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Atrial flutter
- Inappropriate sinus tachycardia
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
- Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
To learn more or schedule an appointment, please contact our Cardiology Clinic at 504.988.6113.