A cardiac arrhythmia is a heart rhythm disorder. This occurs when the heart’s regular electrical activity (sinus rhythm) becomes erratic and the irregular impulses are spread throughout the upper and lower chambers of the heart. Blood is pumped through the body in the lower chambers. Stimulation of the heart muscles in the lower chambers occurs via the electrical impulses from the sinus node. When the body is in a time of physical or emotional stress, it needs more oxygen-rich blood. To meet the demands, our heart beat is accelerated by the nervous system. In the case of arrhythmias, the heart’s contraction and electrical impulse generation can be disrupted.
Irregular heart rhythms affect millions of people and can cause life-threatening conditions such as heart failure, stroke, or sudden cardiac death. Our electrophysiologists are highly trained to diagnose and treat these arrhythmias with careful assessments to help determine your most beneficial treatment.
A heart arrhythmia can disrupt the electrical activity of the heart as well as the contraction abilities. They can occur in the upper and lower heart chambers as either tachycardia-dangerously fast heartbeat or bradycardia-dangerously slow heartbeat. Known types of Arrhythmias include:
With the state-of-the-art equipment and technology at the Fred & Lena Meijer Heart Center, you are in the best place to access the latest treatments for heart arrhythmias. What truly sets us apart is the way we care for you. Spectrum Health electrophysiologists not only work together to come up with the best care plans for our patients, but also to deliver the best patient experience possible.
For example, when we implant pacemakers, we safely and effectively let patients go home the same day, rather than spending a night in the hospital. The next day, the patient’s device is checked remotely via the Internet. This keeps costs down, has proven to be just as safe, and it makes patients happier to be home in the comfort of their own beds.
Our experienced doctors and specialists are ready to serve you, right in your community.