Consultation hours for cardiac arrhythmias
We get your heart back into the right rhythm
Here you can find out everything you need to know about cardiac arrhythmias, their causes and development, treatment options, our services and much more. Get an overview and contact us if you have any questions or need advice.
What are cardiac arrhythmias and what types are there?
The heart beats 100,000 times a day and pumps 6,000 liters of blood through our body. This process only works if the heart chambers are excited in a coordinated manner by corresponding electrical impulses.
The normal heart rhythm is a sinus rhythm that originates from the sinus node. This is the rhythm generator of your heart. This electrical impulse is transmitted to the right and left ventricles via the so-called AV node (junction between the atrium and ventricle). If the pacemaker or the other conduction fibers are out of balance, cardiac arrhythmias occur. They are a common phenomenon and range from harmless heart stumbling to life-threatening palpitations.
Cardiac arrhythmias originate either in the atrium, the ventricle or in the area of the AV node. The heart can beat either too slowly, too quickly or irregularly. Cardiac arrhythmias that do not originate in the ventricle are common - especially arrhythmias that are too fast - so-called supraventricular tachycardias. In the general population, supraventricular tachycardia statistically occurs in 2.25 out of 1000 people. Women have a two-fold risk of developing supraventricular tachycardia and people over the age of 65 have a five-fold risk. The most common form is atrial fibrillation, where the heart usually beats too fast and irregularly.
If the arrhythmia originates in the right and/or left ventricle, it is a ventricular arrhythmia. A distinction is made between ventricular extra beats (ventricular extrasystoles), ventricular tachycardia (ventricular tachycardia) and ventricular fibrillation. While extrasystoles are usually harmless, ventricular tachycardia can be dangerous and ventricular fibrillation can be fatal.
How are cardiac arrhythmias treated?
Nowadays, there are several options for treating cardiac arrhythmias. In addition to medication, electroconversion (electric shock) can also be used. Another option is cardiac catheterization (ablation). Depending on the diagnosis, a pacemaker or defibrillator (ICD) may need to be implanted. Harmless arrhythmias do not require treatment.
How does a consultation for cardiac arrhythmia work?
Our services in the outpatient consultation hours include
- Clarification of disorders of consciousness (fainting/syncope, (circulatory) collapse/blackout, etc.)
- Clarification of cardiac arrhythmias such as palpitations, palpitations, etc.
- Recording and evaluation of resting and long-term ECGs
- Checking pacemakers, defibrillators (ICD) and resynchronization systems (CRT) from all manufacturers (Abbott/St. Jude Medical, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, Medtronic and MicroPort/Sorin)
- Telemedical monitoring of implanted devices (in most cases, you don't even have to come to our practice for this)
- Second opinion for complex cardiac arrhythmias or device problems
- Specialist advice, e.g. for pregnant women with cardiac arrhythmia
- Information about planned interventions such as the implantation of pacemakers or defibrillators and ablations (sclerotherapy) for cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation
With us, you will always be accompanied by the doctors you trust and the same nursing staff. As a patient with cardiac arrhythmia, you are always in the best hands with us.
