Rhythmic sequence of the heart beat is controlled by the precise generation and flow of electrical impulses. Any disruption in the functioning of the heart’s electrical system causes the heart to beat abnormally. A condition characterised with irregular heartbeats or abnormal heart rhythm is called cardiac arrhythmia (dysrhythmia). Depending on the rate of heart beats, dysrhythmia is categorised into bradycardia (too slow heartbeat) and tachycardia (too fast heartbeat).
[PCI Live Case on Monday 13 April, 2015, 14:30-15:30 GMT]
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias. In atrial fibrillation, erratic signals flood the atria and override the normal sinus rhythms resulting in abnormally higher and rapid heartbeats. AF is associated with coronary heart disease and considered a major reason for embolic stroke. Some of the common symptoms of atrial fibrillation include dizziness, palpitations, weakness, fatigue, sweating and chest pain. Electrocardiogram (ECG), stress test, electrophysiology and other diagnostic tests are performed to confirm the presence of arrhythmia. Management of arrhythmias is all about heart rhythm control and cutting down the risks of stroke. Lifestyle changes, medications, catheterization procedures and surgical treatments are preferred by cardiologists in treating arrhythmias.
Heart rhythm control drugs are chosen on the basis of medical history and analysis of symptoms. Since these medications can be risky, it demands constant monitoring during its course. Sodium-channel or potassium-channel blockers are typically used as the heart rhythm controlling medications. On the other hand, catheter ablation is a medical procedure performed in the electrophysiology lab to treat arrhythmias. During ablation, radio frequency energy is passed to the catheter in order to scar the problematic areas. Approval of therapeutic thermocool Smarttouch Catheter is an innovative step in treating arrhythmias. Clinically approved therapeutic thermocool Smarttouch Catheter integrated with contact-force sensing technology will guide the electrophysiologist in destroying the problematic area without any further complications. Evaluating the symptoms and detecting the causes is essential to devise the right treatment for arrhythmias.
