Cardiac Arrhythmia Treatment in Gurgaon, Haryana
Cardiac arrhythmia is a condition where the rhythm of the heart becomes too fast, too slow, or irregular. This happens when there’s an imbalance in the heart’s electrical signals, disturbing its normal beat. Sometimes it can be harmless, but in certain cases, it increases the risk of serious complications like heart failure, stroke, or cardiac arrest.
Why Does Arrhythmia Occur?
The causes of arrhythmia can be numerous, primarily including structural heart problems, such as the weakening of the heart muscle after a heart attack or issues with the heart's valves. Additionally, an electrolyte imbalance, suppose the patient has a deficiency or excess of potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium in their blood.
High blood pressure, or coronary artery disease can disrupt the heart's electrical system, leading to arrhythmia. Lifestyle factors, such as excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol, or drugs, also disturb the heart's rhythm.
Emotional and health-related conditions also have a major role in arrhythmia, including stress, anxiety, or thyroid disorder. All of this can make the heartbeat irregular. In some cases, genetic factors also increase a patient's risk of developing arrhythmia. While arrhythmia can sometimes be temporary, for instance, during times of dehydration or stress, if it occurs frequently or persists for a long period, it may be a sign of underlying heart disease.
Symptoms of Arrhythmia
The symptoms of Cardiac Arrhythmia can vary in every individual, in some people, they are quite mild, and in others, they are very noticeable. Common symptoms can be:
- Feeling as if the heart is racing or fluttering.
- Feeling fatigue or breathlessness even with minor activity.
- Feeling of pressure in the chest is experienced.
- Low on energy and getting tired without a reason.
Sometimes arrhythmia occurs without any symptoms (silent arrhythmia). It is often detected during a routine ECG (electrocardiogram), Holter monitoring, or a general health check-up.
Therefore, if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, a thyroid problem, heart disease, or a family history of heart rhythm issues, it is essential to get regular heart check-ups, even if you don't have any symptoms.
When to See a Doctor?
If the patient ever feels that the heartbeat is irregular, or if it suddenly runs fast or slow, do not delay seeking help. Even if the symptoms are mild. In case of heart disease, diabetes, high BP, or patients with thyroid disorder, or excessive stress, they should get a preventive check-up regardless of whether the symptoms are visible or not.
For cardiac arrhythmia, you should consult a Cardiologist or a Cardiac Electrophysiologist (heart rhythm specialist). A Cardiologist evaluates overall heart health and suggests tests like ECG/Echo. An Electrophysiologist (EP specialist) diagnoses the exact cause and type of arrhythmia (fast, slow, or irregular beat) and decides on treatment, such as a pacemaker implantation, ablation, or medicine-based therapy.
How Is Cardiac Arrhythmia Diagnosed?
At Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, modern and non-invasive tests are used for accurate diagnosis, such as:
- ECG(Electrocardiogram): No special preparation is needed. Patients lie down, and small electrodes (stickers) will be placed on the chest, arms, and legs. It looks for immediate rhythm disturbances, previous heart damage (like a past heart attack), and changes in the heart's electrical pathways.
- Holter Monitoring: The patient will wear a small, portable recording device attached to electrodes on the chest. They must keep a diary of symptoms (like dizziness or palpitations) and what they were doing when these symptoms occurred. They cannot shower or swim while wearing the device.
- Echocardiography: A technician will apply gel to the chest and use a transducer (wand) to take images. It assesses the function of the heart chambers and valves. It's used to identify structural problems, like weak muscle from heart failure or valve issues.
- Electrophysiology Study (EPS): This is a minimally invasive procedure performed in a cath lab. The patient will be given sedation, small, flexible wires (catheters) are guided through blood vessels (usually starting in the groin) up to the heart. The EP specialist deliberately and safely triggers the arrhythmia to identify the precise location of the faulty electrical circuit. This information is vital for planning highly targeted treatments like catheter ablation.
Cardiac Arrhythmia Treatment
At Artemis Hospital, every patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on the type and severity of arrhythmia.
Medication-Based Treatment
The patient takes oral medications, such as anti-arrhythmic drugs or beta-blockers, on a daily, long-term basis. The goal is to minimize symptoms like palpitations and dizziness and prevent life-threatening complications like stroke or cardiac arrest.
Anti-arrhythmic drugs work directly on the heart muscle cells to restore a normal heart rhythm (sinus rhythm) by changing how electrical signals are conducted. Beta-blockers work by slowing the heart rate and reducing the force of contractions, making the heart's electrical system less excitable and irritable. The patient requires regular follow-up to monitor the medication's effectiveness and check for potential side effects, which can sometimes include pro-arrhythmia (the medication actually causing a new arrhythmia).
Catheter Ablation Therapy
The patient is brought to a specialized Electrophysiology (EP) lab. They are typically given sedation or general anesthesia. Fine, flexible wires (catheters) are inserted into a blood vessel (usually in the groin) and guided up to the heart. An Electrophysiology Study (EPS) is first performed to create a detailed 3D electrical map of the heart, identifying the exact location of the abnormal electrical tissue causing the arrhythmia.
Once the faulty spot is located, the catheter delivers energy—either radiofrequency (heat) or cryoablation (cold)—to create a tiny scar. This scar blocks the irregular electrical pathway, preventing the arrhythmia from recurring. The patient is monitored overnight and is usually discharged the next day. They are typically advised to restrict physical activity for a few days to allow the puncture site to heal.
Pacemaker or ICD Implantation
Pacemaker is used when the heart beats too slowly (bradycardia) or has long pauses. The procedure is done in a catheterization lab under local anesthesia and mild sedation. A small incision is made below the collarbone, where the device (pulse generator) is placed under the skin. Insulated wires (leads) are guided through a vein to the heart chambers. The pacemaker constantly monitors the heart and sends an electrical impulse only when the natural heart rate drops below a set minimum, ensuring a steady, safe rate.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation is used for patients at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest due to dangerously fast rhythms (ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation). The implantation procedure is similar to a pacemaker. The device functions as a pacemaker for slow rhythms, but its primary role is to detect life-threatening, fast rhythms. If a dangerous rhythm occurs, the ICD immediately delivers a strong electrical shock (defibrillation) to reset the heart back to a normal rhythm, effectively saving the patient's life.
Benefits of Cardiac Arrhythmia Treatment at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
Seeking treatment for cardiac arrhythmia at Artemis Hospitals in Gurgaon offers several distinct advantages due to its specialized expertise and advanced infrastructure. Patients receive care from a team of highly experienced cardiologists and electrophysiologists who are exceptionally skilled in diagnosing and treating complex rhythm disorders.
The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced catheterization labs, electrophysiology study (EPS) labs for precise mapping, and fully equipped cardiac intensive care units (ICUs). This ensures comprehensive care from diagnosis through recovery.
A notable feature of Artemis Hospital is its use of robotic and minimally invasive procedures, which lead to safer interventions, less pain, smaller scars, and significantly quicker recovery times for patients. Furthermore, the hospital is dedicated to promoting long-term heart health through comprehensive rehabilitation programs designed to support patients after their procedures, enhancing their well-being and overall quality of life.
How to Book a Cardiac Arrhythmia Consultation?
To book an appointment at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, visit: www.artemishospitals.com, choose Cardiology under the “Online Appointment” section to schedule a specialist consultation. You can also call: +91 9800400498 or WhatsApp at +91 980-040-0498 for booking appointments.
Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon is a trusted name in cardiac care, offering advanced facilities and an expert cardiology team for the diagnosis, management, and long-term treatment of all types of arrhythmias, helping patients live a healthy, steady, and confident life with a strong heartbeat.
Reviewed by Dr. DK Jhamb
Chief Cardiology (Unit IV)
Artemis Hospitals
