What is arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm, this includes irregular heart rates and skipped (ectopic) beats.

Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an abnormal heart rhythm within the upper pumping chambers of the heart (left and right atria) which disrupts the heart’s overall pumping sequence. The most common symptom is fast, irregular heart palpitations. Other symptoms include tiredness and shortness of breath.
For more information see our booklet on AF Ablation

Atrial flutter

Atrial flutter is an abnormal heart rhythm within the upper pumping chambers of the heart (left and right atria) and falls into the category of supra ventricular tachycardia (fast rhythms in the upper chambers of the heart). This rhythm may occur in individuals with or without other forms of cardiovascular disease.

For more information see our booklet on Atrial Flutter

Supraventricular tachycardia

During supraventricular tachycardia the heart beats more than 100 beats per minute, so fast that the heart muscle cannot relax between contractions. This inefficient contraction of the heart decreases cardiac output (blood and oxygen circulation) and may cause blood pressure to drop.

For more information see our booklet on Supraventricular Tachycardia

Implanted Devices

Loop recorder – this small device is implanted under the skin of the chest. It records the heart beat and allows medical staff to monitor the heart over a period of years.

Pacemaker – this device monitors and regulates heart rhythm when the natural heart fails to beat adequately. This is done by sending small electrical impulses to stimulate the heart.

Implanted defibrillator – this device monitors and manages rapid life-threatening heart rhythm. It can administer a shock to return the heart back into normal rhythm and also work as a pacemaker if required.

Biventricular devices – are devices that synchronise the left and right sides of the heart to increase the amount of blood pumped throughout the body.