Everything About Heart Arrhythmias: Symptoms and Treatment at Hospital CMQ

Hospital CMQ: Leader in Cardiac Arrhythmia Diagnosis and Treatment in Puerto Vallarta

Heart arrhythmias are a significant health issue affecting millions worldwide. In fact, in the United States, they are one of the leading causes of hospitalization for cardiac conditions. These heart rhythm disturbances can impact individuals of all ages, though their prevalence increases with age. Additionally, depending on the type and severity, heart arrhythmias can range from harmless to potentially life-threatening. Therefore, patients must have access to accurate diagnosis and specialized treatment.

In Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas, Hospital CMQ has become a leader in diagnosing and treating heart conditions, offering our patients high-quality, excellent medical care. Our team of cardiology specialists utilizes state-of-the-art technology to ensure comprehensive and personalized care for patients suffering from cardiac arrhythmias. Moreover, this article will explore heart arrhythmias, their symptoms, types, causes, and the treatments available at Hospital CMQ.

What is an Arrhythmia?

An arrhythmia is an abnormality in the heart’s rhythm, meaning the heart may beat irregularly—either too fast or too slow. According to our specialists, the heart usually follows a specific pattern of beats controlled by electrical impulses, which direct the heart on how to beat. However, a heart arrhythmia occurs when these impulses are disrupted or don’t function properly. It’s normal to feel your heart rate speed up during physical activity or slow down during rest or sleep. Occasionally, you might also feel your heart skip a beat. However, a consistently irregular heart rhythm that occurs frequently while at rest or without any activity is concerning and requires immediate attention.

Types of Cardiac Arrhythmias: Tachycardia, Bradycardia, Atrial and Ventricular Fibrillation

Cardiac arrhythmias are classified into different types based on the part of the heart affected and the pattern of the heart rhythm. Our experts explain the various types of arrhythmias:

• Tachycardia: Refers to a fast heart rate, generally over 100 beats per minute at rest. There are two subtypes—Supraventricular and Ventricular Tachycardia—with the latter being more dangerous.

• Bradycardia: A slow heart rate, below 60 beats per minute at rest, often indicating an issue in the heart’s electrical system, causing dizziness, fatigue, and fainting.

• Atrial Fibrillation: One of the most common arrhythmias, characterized by rapid and irregular heartbeats. This can lead to blood clots forming in the heart, increasing the risk of a stroke.
• Ventricular Fibrillation: An extremely dangerous type of arrhythmia where the heart’s ventricles beat rapidly and chaotically, preventing the heart from effectively pumping blood, which can lead to cardiac arrest within minutes.

How to Identify Heart Arrhythmia: Symptoms and Causes

Cardiac arrhythmias manifest in various ways, and recognizing the symptoms is crucial to preventing complications. The most common symptoms include palpitations, which are sensations of rapid or irregular heartbeats in the chest. Similarly, dizziness or light-headedness may indicate that the heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently. Also, other signs include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and unexplained anxiety. These symptoms can vary in intensity and may occur individually or together, depending on the type of arrhythmia.

Arrhythmias can have multiple causes. Factors such as stress, alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco use, along with underlying medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders, can increase the risk of developing arrhythmias. Furthermore, identifying and understanding these factors is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. At Hospital CMQ, we offer a comprehensive approach to managing this condition, enhancing our patients’ cardiovascular health. Schedule your appointment today!

Cardiac Arrhythmia Symptoms in Women

Cardiac arrhythmias can affect both men and women, but symptoms in women often present differently and may be more subtle. One of the most common symptoms in women is extreme and unexplained fatigue. Additionally, unlike men, women with arrhythmias may experience chest pain, described as discomfort that radiates to the neck, jaw, or back. Recognizing these symptoms is vital for women to receive appropriate treatment promptly. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention, as untreated arrhythmias can lead to more serious complications.

Heart Arrhythmias Treatment: What Medications Can I Take?

The treatment for cardiac arrhythmias varies depending on the type, underlying cause, and severity of symptoms. However, some arrhythmias may not require medical treatment. Treatment is typically necessary when arrhythmias cause significant symptoms or pose a risk of more severe heart problems. Common medications used to treat cardiac arrhythmias include Beta-blockers, Calcium channel blockers, Antiarrhythmics, and Anticoagulants. Pharmacological treatment for arrhythmias should be personalized and closely monitored by a physician, as these medications can have side effects, and dosage adjustments may be needed based on the patient’s response.

Ablation Treatment for Heart Arrhythmias at Hospital CMQ

At Hospital CMQ, we offer cardiac ablation as an effective, minimally invasive treatment option for managing cardiac arrhythmias. This procedure is particularly recommended when medications fail to control symptoms. During this treatment, catheters are used to map and destroy the abnormal tissue causing irregular heart rhythms using radiofrequency energy. Ablation is highly effective in treating arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia, significantly improving patients’ quality of life. At Hospital CMQ, cardiac ablation is performed by a multidisciplinary team led by experts in electrophysiology. With the support of cutting-edge technology, we ensure a personalized approach tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

Arrhythmia Diagnosis at Hospital CMQ

At Hospital CMQ, our team of experts offers a variety of advanced diagnostic tests and studies to evaluate and treat cardiac arrhythmias. These studies allow our specialists to gain a detailed understanding of heart function and identify the underlying causes of arrhythmias. Some of the key diagnostic methods we use include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): A fundamental test that records the heart’s electrical activity, helping to identify abnormal rhythms like atrial fibrillation or tachycardia.

• Holter Monitoring: A test that continuously records heart rhythm for 24 to 48 hours using a portable device worn by the patient. This study is especially useful for detecting intermittent arrhythmias that may not be captured during an ECG.

• Stress Test: Evaluates how the heart responds to physical exercise. During this test, the patient walks or runs on a treadmill while an ECG monitors the heart rhythm. It is useful for identifying arrhythmias triggered or worsened by physical exertion.

• Echocardiogram: Aunque no es específica para arritmias, el ecocardiograma es importante para detectar condiciones cardíacas subyacentes que pueden contribuir a las arritmias, como la insuficiencia cardíaca o defectos valvulares.
• Tilt Table Test: This study is useful for diagnosing arrhythmias, especially in cases where fainting related to heart rhythm problems is suspected.

Arrhythmia Center in Banderas Bay: Lead by Dr. Alex Pacheco Bouthillier and Dr. Carlos Hernandéz at CMQ Hospital

Our Arrhythmia Center at Hospital CMQ Riviera Nayarit stands out for its excellence in diagnosing and treating cardiac arrhythmias under the leadership of two renowned specialists: Dr. Alex Pacheco Bouthillier and Dr. Carlos Hernández. With extensive experience in cardiology and a comprehensive approach to arrhythmia management, both experts have established a reference center in the region to address a wide range of heart disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Arrhythmias