Doctors Near You for Arrhythmia in Charlottetown

Arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat or abnormal heart rhythm, where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. This condition disrupts the heart's normal electrical impulses that coordinate the heartbeat, leading to various symptoms and potential complications. Arrhythmias can range from benign and asymptomatic to severe and life-threatening. The causes of arrhythmias are diverse and include structural heart problems, such as heart disease or congenital heart defects, as well as imbalances in electrolytes, such as potassium or calcium. Other contributing factors include high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, and conditions affecting the heart's electrical system, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Lifestyle factors, including excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, stress, and certain medications, can also trigger or exacerbate arrhythmias. Treatment for arrhythmia depends on the type, severity, and underlying cause of the condition. For many individuals, managing arrhythmia involves lifestyle changes and medications. Antiarrhythmic drugs, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or other specific agents, can help regulate heart rhythm and control symptoms. In cases where medications are not effective, or if the arrhythmia is severe, procedures like cardioversion or catheter ablation may be recommended. Cardioversion uses electrical shocks to restore normal heart rhythm, while catheter ablation involves using radiofrequency energy to destroy problematic heart tissue that causes arrhythmias. For some individuals, implantation of a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be necessary to help regulate the heart's rhythm and prevent life-threatening arrhythmias. Addressing underlying conditions, such as managing high blood pressure or coronary artery disease, is also crucial in treating arrhythmias. It is essential for individuals experiencing symptoms of arrhythmia, such as palpitations, dizziness, or chest pain, to seek medical evaluation for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.