Heart Rhythm Disorders

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What is a heart arrhythmia?

A heart arrhythmia is a disorder characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm or heartbeat. If you are experiencing a heart rhythm that is irregular (too fast, too slow or fluttering), you may be experiencing an arrhythmia. While many heart arrhythmias do not pose any serious threat to heart health, some can be potentially dangerous or become dangerous if untreated. If you are experiencing symptoms of an arrhythmia, your primary care physician may refer you to see a cardiologist at Santa Rosa Medical Center.

Symptoms of a Heart Arrhythmia
Not all heart arrhythmia symptoms are easily detected. You may not even realize you have an irregular heart rhythm until you see your primary doctor for a check-up. However, for some people, symptoms may be quite apparent – even uncomfortable. Symptoms may include:

• Fluttering or racing heart
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest pain
• A slow heart rhythm (bradycardia)
• A quick heart rhythm (tachycardia)
• Fainting
• Sweating 


Please note, not all recognizable symptoms suggest a serious heart problem. Often, heart arrhythmias are harmless, but it is still recommended to see a cardiologist for an examination if you are experiencing symptoms.

What Can Cause a Heart Arrhythmia?
There are many potential causes of an abnormal heart rhythm. In fact, many things can lead to, or cause, a heart arrhythmia, including:

• Genetics
• Excessive amounts of caffeine
• Alcohol consumption
• Smoking cigarettes
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothyroidism
• Experiencing a heart attack
• Scar tissue from a previous heart attack
• Diabetes
• Sleep deprivation
• Blocked arteries (atherosclerosis)
• Changes to the heart caused by diseases like cardiomyopathy
• Use of certain medications and supplements 


Treatment for Heart Arrhythmias In Milton, FL
Thankfully, there are ways to control, reduce and eliminate your heart arrhythmia for good. Cardiologists at Santa Rosa Medical Center have the training and experience to provide advanced care to all who come through our doors. The process begins with the cardiologist determining the type and severity of your arrhythmia, as well as outlining some potential treatment options.

Upon arrival, your heart care doctor will inquire about your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may ask you questions about your lifestyle, as well as other factors that may help determine what triggers your abnormal heart rate. Your doctor may also perform heart monitoring tests specific to arrhythmias in order to determine the best treatment for you.

Treatment options may include:

• Lifestyle modification and medical management - Many heart arrhythmias are triggered by common lifestyle choices that may be detrimental to your health. Here in Santa Rosa County, we provide education and recourses to help you adopt a healthier lifestyle that will play a key part in eliminating heart arrhythmias. If these lifestyle changes are insufficient for your arrhythmia case, doctors will develop a treatment plan using medication and other therapies.
• Cardioversion - In this therapy, a fast heart arrhythmia (tachycardia) is treated by delivering an electrical shock to the heart.
• Use of an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), or a Holter monitor: This technology allows doctors to record heart activity over a period of time; it may be used to diagnose an arrhythmia.

Find a Cardiologist Near You In Milton, FL
Need help finding a doctor? Search the online directory.