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 Information 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.

© EMIS and PIP 2005 Updated: April 2005 Review Date: October 2006 CHIQ Accredited PRODIGY Validated

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