Heart Rhythm Disorders

While common, irregular heartbeats might indicate an underlying medical condition requiring intervention. At the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona in Tempe, Arizona, board-certified cardiologist Thaslim Kassim, MD, FACC, addresses heart rhythm disorders to reduce your risk of complications. Schedule a heart rhythm disorder evaluation by phone or request one online today.

What are heart rhythm disorders?

Heart rhythm disorders, also called arrhythmias, consist of abnormal heartbeats. Your heart might beat too fast, too slow, or skip beats. About 1.5-5% of people experience heart rhythm disorders, though not everyone has noticeable symptoms. 

Sometimes, arrhythmias are nothing more than a harmless nuisance, while other times, they can indicate severe medical issues. See Dr. Kassim at the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona at the first sign of irregular heartbeats.

What symptoms of heart rhythm disorders require monitoring?

The signs and symptoms of heart rhythm disorders include the following:

• Heart palpitations
• Slowed or rapid heartbeats
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

If you have silent cardiac arrhythmia, you don’t experience any symptoms. Complications sometimes associated with arrhythmias include a weak heart muscle, a stroke, or cardiac arrest. 

Monitoring heart rhythm disorders and utilizing the best treatments is essential.

What are the risk factors for heart rhythm disorders?

Factors that might increase the risk of heart rhythm disorders that require monitoring include the following:

• Irritable heart tissues
• High blood pressure
• Heart muscle changes
• Valve disorders
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Heart attack injuries
• Electrolyte imbalances in the blood
• Previous heart surgery
• Family history of arrhythmias
• Tobacco use
• Drinking alcohol
• Caffeine or other stimulants
• Herbal supplements
• Sleep apnea
• High blood sugar
• Having a high body mass index (BMI) over 30

Heart rhythm irregularities may happen because of problems in your heart’s valves, muscles, or arteries.

How are heart rhythm disorders diagnosed?

Diagnosing heart rhythm disorders involves a vital signs check, a medical history and symptom review, and a medical exam. Dr. Kassim listens to your heartbeat and may order blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), stress testing, an echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, imaging procedures, or other tests.

What does heart rhythm disorder monitoring include?

Treatment for heart rhythm disorders and monitoring might consist of one or more of the following:

• Lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Therapies using electrical impulses
• Ablation 
• Implantable devices (pacemaker, defibrillator, etc.)
• Coronary artery bypass surgery
• Other surgeries

It’s crucial to avoid tobacco products, limit alcohol and caffeine, maintain an ideal body weight, eat nutritious foods, and exercise regularly. Properly manage your blood sugar and blood pressure and get treated for sleep apnea. 

Follow up with Dr. Kassim routinely to eliminate heart arrhythmias and ensure your treatment plan works effectively.

Schedule an evaluation at the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona by phone or request one online today to monitor heart rhythm disorders.