Illustration of heart shape on an EKG printout.

Heart Rhythm Abnormalities

Types of Heart Arrhythmias

  • Atrial Fibrillation: An irregular and rapid heartbeat in the upper chambers of the heart
  • Atrial Flutter: A rapid regular heartbeat in the upper chambers of the heart
  • Bradycardia: Slow heart rate (below 60 bpm)
  • Premature Atrial Contractions (PAC): Early heartbeat from the upper chambers of the heart
  • Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC): Extra heartbeats coming from the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles)
  • Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Rapid heartbeats originating in the upper chambers of the heart
  • Tachycardia: Fast heart rate (above 100 bpm)
  • Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): A fast heart rhythm from the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles)

Symptoms Associated with Arrhythmias 

  • Chest Pain
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Fainting
  • Palpitations
  • Shortness of breath

How to Diagnose Arrhythmias

  • Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to assess its structure and function
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the heart’s electrical activity to detect abnormalities
  • Event Recorder: An implanted device that records heart rhythm when symptoms occur
  • Holter Monitor: A portable ECG that records heart rhythm over a longer period of time

How to Treat Arrhythmias

Medications 

  • Blood Thinners
  • Heart Rate Control
  • Heart Rhythm Control

Procedures

  • Catheter Ablation: A procedure to alter the heart tissue to stop the arrhythmia
  • Electrical Cardioversion: A procedure to reset the heart rhythm with an electrical shock
  • Implantable Devices: Such as pacemakers or Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs) to control the rate / rhythm of the heart
  • Lifestyle Changes: Managing stress, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol and caffeine intake

How to Treat Arrhythmias

If you are experiencing any symptoms of heart arrythmia, we strongly recommend reaching out to your primary care provider. If you do not currently have a primary care provider, you can contact WellConnect at 812.376.5136.

Contact Us:

Southern Indiana Heart & Vascular:
812.379.2020
It is recommended to have a referral by your primary care provider before scheduling an appointment with Southern Indiana Heart & Vascular to ensure test results are available during your visit so a care plan can be determined at that time.

IU Health Cardiovascular Surgery @ Columbus Regional Health:
812.376.0555

Vascular Center of Southern Indiana Surgery Inc.:  
812.372.2245

Middle-aged couple smiling and walking in nature.

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation, sometimes referred to as AFib or AF, is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm. It is estimated that 5.8 million Americans are diagnosed with AFib. 

What are the Different Types of AFib?

The heart rhythm society defines AFib by the duration of the AFib episode. The longer an individual is consistently in AFib, the further along AFib is on the progression scale. The different types of AFib are: 

  • Occasional or Paroxysmal AFib: Occurs and ceases within 7 days of onset.
  • Persistent AFib: Continuous AFib that lasts for more than 7 days.
  • Long-Standing Persistent AFib: Failure to maintain sinus rhythm with intervention.

Treatment options for AFib:

Early treatment is essential for overcoming AFib. Treatment options include:

  • Medications
  • Cardioversion
  • Catheter Ablation