The average human heart beats 100,000 times a day, according to the American Heart Association. Normally, the heart beats in a coordinated way to pump blood throughout the body. However, when the electrical system that triggers the heart to contract and relax goes awry, it can be life threatening.

How serious are arrhythmias?
According to John F. Beshai, MD, a cardiologist specializing in cardiac electrophysiology with Adventist GlenOaks Hospital, arrhythmias are defined as an abnormal rhythm in the heart. “Arrhythmias can be heartbeats that are too slow, too fast or just irregular,” Dr. Beshai says. For some people, arrhythmias may be common and not serious. But frequent episodes or those that cause symptoms can put sufferers at risk for a heart failure, stroke and even sudden cardiac death. Dr. Beshai suggests seeking immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain or palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting

To diagnose an arrhythmia, cardiologists use electrocardiography, Holter monitors and stress testing. Learn how the latest technology was able to properly diagnose Patrick Hogan, a patient at Adventist GlenOaks Hospital. 

Getting back in sync
The severity of an arrhythmia determines the course of treatment, which can range from medication to surgical procedures. At Adventist Midwest Health, patients can find the latest treatments to correct an arrhythmia, including a variety of minimally invasive procedures.

Radiofrequency ablation destroys the tissue responsible for a rapid heartbeat without surgery. During the procedure, doctors use catheters with electrodes to transmit radiofrequency energy to areas responsible for initiating and perpetuating the arrhythmia. When the problem tissue dies, it can’t conduct the extra impulses that cause fast heartbeats.

A pacemaker is a small device that tells your heart when to beat, which treats arrhythmias where the heart rhythm is too slow. Through a tiny incision, the pacemaker is implanted just under the skin by the chest. Attached are wires that connect to the heart, which monitor and correct the heart’s electrical activity. The doctor then programs the patient’s minimum heartbeat, and if they drop below that set rate, the pacemaker fires off electrical impulses that create a heartbeat.

Defibrillators are similar to pacemakers except they deliver a brief electrical shock to the heart when it beats abnormally fast. Like a pacemaker, defibrillators work 24 hours a day and are implanted in the patient for life. Comparatively, procedures to implant both devices are also the same.

With each of these arrhythmia treatments, patients often leave the hospital the same or next day and return to normal activities within a few days. Follow-up care is individualized based on the patient’s needs.

In 2006, Adventist Midwest Health expanded their cardiology services to include electrophysiology. Here, doctors are able to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions that involve the heart’s electrical system – from heart failure to arrhythmias.

Vascular disease increases your risk for heart attack and stroke. People often don’t experience any symptoms, which is why screening for this disease is so important. Learn what your individual risk is by getting an PAD (peripheral arterial disease) screening or other vascular screenings available at Adventist Midwest Health. Using ultrasound, we can help detect vascular disease painlessly and cost effectively.

The cost per screening is $50. To register, or for more information, call 866-533-7968.