At UPMC, we perform advanced procedures that allow patients with irregular heartbeat disorders, also called arrythmias, to live normal lives, often without medication.
Arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, are caused by changes in the electrical impulses that flow through your heart. These abnormal rhythms can cause your heart to beat irregularly, too quickly (called tachycardia) or too slowly (called bradycardia).
What Are Irregular Heartbeat Services?
Our heart rhythm disorder experts provide comprehensive care for all types of arrhythmias. Using the latest diagnostic technology, the team at UPMC will find the cause of your arrhythmia and develop a treatment plan.
What conditions do you treat?
We use the latest techniques and therapies to control or eliminate all types of abnormal heartbeats, including:
Who can benefit from irregular heartbeat services?
Our heart rhythm disorder team can provide comprehensive care for people who:
- Have been diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder.
- Have been diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder but are not responding well to current medications and treatment.
- Are at high risk for stroke or other complications and require specialized treatment.
- Are seeking a second opinion.
How do you know if your heart is out of rhythm?
Some people with abnormal heart rhythms do not have noticeable symptoms. If you do experience symptoms, they may include:
- Chest pain.
- Confusion.
- Dizziness.
- Fainting.
- Fatigue.
- Heart palpitations, including a feeling of racing or fluttering inside your chest.
- Lightheadedness.
- Reduced ability to exercise.
- Shortness of breath.
Is it OK to live with an irregular heartbeat?
With proper treatment, most people with irregular heartbeats can live normal, active lives. If left untreated, irregular heartbeats can increase your risk of stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest.
What Irregular Heartbeat Treatments Do You Offer?
Our team offers the safest, most effective arrhythmia treatment options. UPMC heart rhythm disorder experts:
- Have expertise in current, state-of-the-art arrhythmia treatments.
- Help people with heart rhythm disorders manage a wide array of health goals, lifestyle choices, and care preferences.
- Educate people about heart rhythm disorders. We know that people who understand their diagnosis are more active in their treatment, which can benefit their recovery.
What is the most common treatment for irregular heartbeat?
For many people with irregular heartbeats, medications are the most helpful form of treatment.
Can heart arrhythmia go away?
An arrhythmia can sometimes go away on its own without treatment. However, if your abnormal heart rhythm happens often, you may need treatment and follow-up care.
Diagnostic services and procedures
We use the latest technology and techniques to diagnose irregular heartbeats, including:
- Echocardiogram. This noninvasive test uses sound waves to create images of your heart.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG). This noninvasive test measures the electrical activity in your heart.
- Electrophysiology (EP) study. This test uses a special catheter that is threaded through your blood vessels and into your heart to map electrical impulses.
- Holter monitor. This wearable ECG device records your heart's activity throughout the day.
- Event recorder. This portable device is similar to a Holter monitor. However, it only records when you are having symptoms.
Treatments
Medication
- The goal of medications is to prevent and treat blood clots, which can lead to a stroke. Sometimes other drugs are prescribed to control heart rate and rhythm.
- We offer a telehealth anticoagulation clinic to regulate dosages for people who take blood-thinning medications.
Nonsurgical procedures
- Cardioversion. Cardioversion delivers an electrical shock to the heart. The goal of this treatment is to interrupt the abnormal heart rhythm and return it to normal.
- Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). SBRT is an experimental treatment for ventricular tachycardia (V-Tach), an abnormally rapid heart rate in the heart's lower chambers, that has not responded to treatment. SBRT involves the delivery of a focused, single dose of radiation to a small area of the heart causing the heart rhythm problem. Doctors use scans to find the area of the heart causing the arrhythmia and where to target treatment. Currently, SBRT is only an option for people with V-Tach who have tried other treatments without success.
Minimally invasive procedures
- Catheter ablation. Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat or cold to destroy (ablate) a small amount of tissue on the inside of your heart that is causing an abnormal heart rhythm.
- Watchman procedure. The Watchman is an implanted device that blocks off the left atrial appendage. It is implanted using a catheter and reduces stroke risk in people who cannot take blood thinners.
Hybrid ablation
- Hybrid ablation. Hybrid ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that combines surgical and catheter ablation techniques to block abnormal electrical signals on the inside and outside of your heart.
Surgical procedures
- Cardiac rhythm management devices. A pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is surgically placed under your skin to help control your heart rhythm.
- MAZE procedure. Your surgeon will make tiny cuts on the outside of your heart, creating scars that block abnormal electrical signals. MAZE can be performed in several ways: as an open chest procedure, as a minimally invasive procedure through several small incisions in your chest, or as part of another open procedure such as coronary artery bypass surgery.
- Left atrial appendage ligation (LAL). This minimally invasive procedure blocks off part of your heart where blood clots may form, called the left atrial appendage, reducing your risk of stroke. Your doctor may use a device called AtriClip to block off your left atrial appendage.
What Can I Expect From Irregular Heartbeat Services at UPMC?
Our team includes general cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, electrophysiologists, and other medical experts. They will create a comprehensive plan to manage your abnormal heart rhythm and reduce your risk of stroke.
Before your visit
To prepare for your visit, you will be asked to provide:
- Name, address, and contact phone number.
- Insurance information.
- Rhythm strip or EKG that documents your abnormal heart rhythm (if you had prior testing).
- An echocardiogram report and other cardiac test results.
- Relevant medical records.
- A referral, if required by your health insurance company.
If you get a referral from your primary care doctor or another physician, they may be able to provide your test results and medical records to our team.
During your visit
When you arrive for your first appointment, you'll meet with a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. He or she will ask about your medical history and irregular heartbeat symptoms.
We'll give you a:
- A tailored patient education packet for you to take home.
- Complete education session about abnormal heart rhythm symptoms, risks, and treatments.
Next, you'll meet with one of our doctors. The doctor will explain your treatment options based on how long you've had an abnormal heart rhythm, your symptoms, and past health history.
Together, you will design and agree on a care plan.
Certain treatments may require:
- A stay in the hospital. We'll schedule your admission before you leave the office.
- Blood tests, an echocardiogram, or other tests.
After your visit
Our team will schedule follow-up appointments as needed to check how your treatment is working. You should contact our office if:
- You have questions about your treatment plan or medications.
- Your symptoms get worse or do not improve as expected.
- You have any other concerns about your condition.
How Do Get Irregular Heartbeat Care at UPMC?
To make an appointment, call 1-855-876-2484.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.
