What are the treatments for arrhythmias?
Each type of arrhythmia has specific treatment options. Also, treating any underlying cause (such as ischaemic heart disease, or high blood pressure) may also be important in controlling certain arrhythmias. The following are the sort of treatments which may be considered.
Medication
Various medicines can interfere with the electrical impulses in your heart. They are often used to prevent intermittent arrhythmias, or to control the heart rate in atrial fibrillation.
Catheter ablation (destruction) treatment
This is an option for some cases of SVT, ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. A catheter (small wire) is passed via a large vein in your leg into the chambers of your heart. It is guided by special X-ray techniques. The tip of the catheter can destroy a tiny section of heart tissue that is the source or 'trigger' of abnormal electrical impulses. This treatment is suitable only if the exact site of the trigger can be found by special tests, and be located accurately by the catheter tip.
Cardioversion
This may be an option for some types of tachycardia. For example, in some cases of atrial fibrillation which have recently developed, and some cases of ventricular tachycardia. Whilst under anaesthetic, you are given an electrical shock over the heart. This may revert the abnormal rhythm back to normal.
Artificial pacemakers
These are used in cases of complete heart block and in certain other situations. An artificial pacemaker is a small device which is inserted just under the skin on the upper chest. Wires from the pacemaker are passed through veins into the heart chambers. The pacemaker can then stimulate the heart to maintain a regular normal heartbeat.
Implantable defibrillators
These are sometimes used in difficult cases. They are small devices which are similar to pacemakers and are inserted under the skin in the upper chest. Wires are passed through a vein to the heart. The device monitors the heartbeat. If it detects a change to an abnormal rhythm, the device can send a short electrical shock to the heart to stop the abnormal rhythm.
Further help and information
British Heart Foundation
14 Fitzhardinge Street, London, W1H 4DH
Tel (Heart Help Line): 08450 70 80 70
Web: www.bhf.org.uk
Arrhythmia Alliance
PO Box 3697 Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 8YL
Tel: 01789 450787
Web: www.arrhythmiaalliance.org.uk
Aims to promote better understanding, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for individuals with cardiac arrhythmia.
References
- Cardiac arrhythmias in coronary heart disease, SIGN (2007)
- Goodacre S, Irons R; ABC of clinical electrocardiography: Atrial arrhythmias. BMJ. 2002 Mar 9;324(7337):594-7.
- Atrial fibrillation, Clinical Knowledge Summaries (2007)
- Supraventricular tachycardia - paroxysmal, Clinical Knowledge Summaries (2005)
- Arrhythmia - implantable cardioverter defibrillators, NICE Technology Appraisal (January 2006)
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