Abnormal Heart Rhythm / Arrhythmia

How is abnormal heart rhythm / arrhythmia treated?

The treatment of arrhythmias is targeted at its underlying cause if any, rate control and/or rhythm control, with focus to maintain adequate blood circulation to the rest of the body and to prevent complications of the arrhythmias.

In some cases, treating the underlying heart disease removes the arrhythmia. In general, arrhythmias can be treated with drugs, electrical shock (cardioversion), implanting automatic implantable defibrillators, pacemakers, catheter ablation, or surgery.

Other treatments for arrhythmias include:

Medication

Often arrhythmias can be managed by drug therapy alone. Anti-arrthymic drugs are commonly classified using Vaughan Williams cliassification. Response to drugs is usually measured by electrocardiogram (ECG), holter monitor or electrophysiologic study.

Procedures or surgeries

• Pacemakers that send electrical signals to make the heart beat properly can be implanted under the skin during a simple procedure. Pacemakers are used mainly to correct bradycardia.
• Automatic implantable defibrillators correct life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias by recognising them and then restoring a normal heart rhythm by pacing the heart or giving it an electric shock. They are usually implanted under the skin at the chest, without major surgery. They read the cardiac rhythm and store information for future evaluation by physicians. Automatic implantable defibrillators have proven to be more effective in saving lives than drugs alone. They are often used in conjunction with drug therapy.
• Ablation, a procedure to alter the heart tissue causing the arrhythmia in order to prevent a recurrence, can be performed through a catheter or surgery. Supraventricular tachycardia can be treated successfully with ablation. Ablation treatments are used when medications fail.
• Maze surgery treats atrial fibrillation by making multiple incisions in the atrium to direct electrical impulses in a appropriate fashion. This is often recommended for patients who have not responded to drugs or cardioversion.
  
  

Arrhythmia and Pacemaker Clinic at the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS)

This clinic evaluates patients with cardiac arrhythmias, providing tertiary service for patients with complex cardiac arrhythmias that require further investigations and evaluations. It also provides follow up monitoring and care for patients with pacemakers or defibrillators.

If you suspect you may have arrhythmia or an abnormal heart rhythm, you may make an appointment with a cardiologist for further investigations and treatment.

To make an appointment at NHCS, please visit here:
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