Arrhythmia and treatments

Atrial fibrillation (AF)

AF is a type of heart rhythm disorder that occurs when the electrical signals that control the heartbeat become erratic. In a normal heart rhythm, the electrical signals start in the sinoatrial node (SA node) located in the right atrium and travels through the atria and ventricles, causing them to contract in a coordinated manner
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Atrial flutter

Atrial flutter is a type of abnormal heart rhythm that originates from the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria. It is characterized by a rapid and regular heartbeat, typically between 250 and 350 beats per minute. Atrial flutter can cause symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness.
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The Convergent Procedure

The Convergent procedure’s primary goal is to restore normal sinus rhythm to the heart. This procedure is called "hybrid" because it involves a collaboration between a cardiac electrophysiologist and a cardiac surgeon. Led by Professor Weerasooriya, the team carefully selects patients who would benefit from the Convergent procedure.
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Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

SVT is a type of rapid heart rhythm that originates from the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria. This condition can cause a sudden increase in heart rate, typically above 150 beats per minute, which can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
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AV node ablation

AV (atrioventricular) node ablation is a medical procedure that is typically performed to treat an irregular or fast heartbeat (also known as arrhythmia) in patients with a pacemaker. The AV node is a tiny cluster of cells located in the heart that regulates the timing of electrical impulses that control the heart's rhythm. The procedure involves intentionally disrupting the electrical signal that travel between the atria (upper chambers) and ventricles (lower chambers) of the heart.
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DC cardioversion

A DC cardioversion uses an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat in someone with an irregular or abnormal heartbeat. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital.

During the procedure, small pads are placed on the chest of the patient, and an electric shock is delivered to the heart to reset the heart rhythm. This shock is delivered through the pads, which act as electrodes, and is timed to coincide with a specific point in the heart's electrical cycle to ensure that the heart returns to a normal rhythm.

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Ectopic beats

Ectopic beats are extra or missed beats that are very common but sometimes cause a lot of distress and symptoms for patients. The ectopic beats can originate from the atrial or ventricular chambers. Ectopic beat frequency and burden increase with age and most people over the age of 40 experience some ectopic beats. 

In terms of symptoms, ectopic beats tend to occur in waves that last a few weeks and then spontaneously subside.

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