For a free physician referral or to find a Cardiologist, call MedLine® at (423) 622-6848 or (800) 242-5662.

The multidisciplinary team of specialists at The Heart Center at Parkridge Medical Center provides comprehensive care for cardiac rhythm disorders, known as arrhythmias. If the heart beats irregularly, too slow or too fast, it may not be able to effectively pump blood through the body. Arrhythmias are frequently benign, but can be life-threatening.

Electrical signals control the heart’s rhythm. When functioning properly, the heart follows its normal rhythm, known as sinus rhythm. But arrhythmias disrupt the electrical pathway and cause the heart to beat ineffectively.

People who experience arrhythmias may feel like their heart is beating too fast or too slow, as well as the following symptoms:

  • Anxiety
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Palpitations
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating

Who’s at Risk?

The most common form of arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, affects millions of people and is common in older adults, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Age is a risk factor for arrhythmias, as contributing conditions such as heart disease are more common in this population.

Other risk factors include conditions that weaken the heart’s ability to function, such as:

  • Congenital heart defects
  • Diabetes
  • Heart attack
  • Heart failure
  • High blood pressure
  • Leaking or narrowed heart valves
  • Sleep apnea

Treatments

Specialists at The Heart Center at Parkridge Medical Center offer the full spectrum of arrhythmia treatment options, including:

  • Medication
  • Cardioversion
  • Catheter ablation
  • The Convergent Procedure
  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (if coronary artery disease causes arrhythmia)
  • Implanted cardioverter defibrillator
  • MAZE and Mini-MAZE procedures
  • Pacemaker