Description An abnormal beating...
Description
An abnormal beating of the heart that is irregular, too fast or too slow. Arrhythmias occur when the electrical impulses of the heart are abnormal. The following conditions can cause an arrhythmia: thyroid disease, scar tissue from a previous heart attack, medications, previous heart trauma or congenital abnormalities. However, arrhythmias often occur for no apparent reason.
Symptoms
Light-headedness, fainting, weakness, shortness of breath, palpitations, anxiety.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An EKG or other heart monitoring (Holter or event monitor) may be done to determine the type of arrhythmia. Blood tests may be performed to identify a possible cause of the arrhythmia.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Holter monitor, cardiac event monitor
Specialists:
Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An EKG or other heart monitoring (Holter or event monitor) may be done to determine the type of arrhythmia. Blood tests may be performed to identify a possible cause of the arrhythmia.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Holter monitor, cardiac event monitor
Specialists:
Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology
Treatment
Depends of the cause, but may include a procedure in which heat energy is applied to a portion of the heart (called ablation treatment). This inactivates the area of the heart that is causing the arrhythmia. Other treatments include the insertion of a pacemaker, medications, and/or an internal defibrillator.