Arrhythmias
Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) occur when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Common types of arrhythmias include atrial fibrillation (AFib), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular tachycardia (VT), and bradyarrhythmias.
While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest. With early diagnosis and expert care, most people can control symptoms and restore a steady, healthy heartbeat.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, we perform ECG and Holter monitoring to pinpoint the rhythm problem and offer medications, catheter ablation, or pacemaker/defibrillator therapy to restore safe heart rhythm and reduce stroke risk.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Arrhythmia symptoms can vary widely; some patients feel nothing, while others experience:
- Fluttering or racing heartbeat (palpitations)
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
- Chest discomfort or shortness of breath
- Fatigue, especially during exertion
An evaluation begins with a detailed history and physical exam. Diagnostic tests may include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Captures the electrical activity of your heart.
- Holter monitor or event recorder: Tracks heart rhythm over 24–48 hours or longer.
- Echocardiogram: Checks for structural heart abnormalities.
- Electrophysiology (EP) study: Precisely maps abnormal electrical pathways for potential treatment.
Diagnosis & Classification
Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that affect how your heart beats: too fast, too slow, or irregularly. They are classified by where they originate and how they affect heart rate. Some are harmless, while others may require urgent treatment.
Common Types of Arrhythmias
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) and Atrial Flutter: These involve irregular electrical signals in the heart’s upper chambers (atria), causing an unsteady heartbeat and increasing the risk of stroke and blood clots.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): A rapid rhythm that starts above the ventricles, often causing palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
- Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): A fast rhythm originating from the heart’s lower chambers. Sustained VT can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
- Bradyarrhythmia / Sick Sinus Syndrome: A heart rhythm that’s too slow, often due to the heart’s natural pacemaker failing to fire properly. Severe cases may need a pacemaker to restore normal rhythm.
Your cardiologist will determine the specific type of arrhythmia and whether it’s benign, recurrent, or requires immediate intervention. Diagnosis often involves electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, Holter testing, or electrophysiology studies to pinpoint the cause and guide treatment.
Treatment & Management
Treatment depends on the type of arrhythmia, severity, and the underlying cause.
Lifestyle & Risk Reduction:
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Manage sleep apnea and stress
- Maintain normal thyroid and electrolyte levels
- Control underlying conditions like hypertension or CAD
Medication Therapy:
- Antiarrhythmics: Control or correct rhythm (amiodarone, flecainide, sotalol)
- Beta-blockers / calcium channel blockers: Slow the heart rate
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners): Reduce stroke risk in atrial fibrillation
Procedural Treatments:
- Catheter ablation: A minimally invasive procedure to eliminate abnormal rhythm circuits
- Pacemaker: A small implanted device that helps regulate slow or irregular heart rhythms caused by bradycardia or heart block.
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): A device implanted in the chest that detects and corrects life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia, by delivering an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat.
Our electrophysiology team provides personalized rhythm management plans using the latest technologies for optimal safety and outcomes.
Long-Term Monitoring & Lifestyle
Arrhythmias often require lifelong follow-up. Patients with AFib or implanted devices need regular monitoring to adjust medications and settings. Many people resume normal activities after treatment with minimal restrictions.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our specialists use continuous remote heart monitoring and digital tools to track rhythm stability and ensure early intervention if problems arise.