Menu
Heart Rhythm Disorders

Top Quality Heart Rhythm Disorders in Patchogue, New Hyde Park & Hicksville

heart rhythm disorders east patchogue, nyIn order to keep the right amount of blood flowing through your body, your heart muscle has to pump at a particular pace and rhythm. Heart rhythm disorders, which cover any variation from a normal heartbeat, can cause a range of symptoms and complications. Common heart rhythm disorders – referred to collectively as ‘arrhythmias’ – include changes in the heart rate, electrical impulse problems, heartbeat irregularity and improper heartbeat sequencing.

Electrical impulses control the flow of blood through the heart by signaling the chambers of the heart muscle to contract and expand. When those electrical impulses fail to operate correctly, the heart has to work harder (and less efficiently) to pump blood to the body.

Some people are born with arrhythmias, such Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, while others develop them later in life. Common types of arrhythmias include:

  • Atrial fibrillation, in which electrical impulses from different areas of the atria cause a rapid, irregular heartbeat.
  • Atrial flutter, in which electrical impulses from the right atrium lead to an increased heart rate.
  • Congenital arrhythmias, in which people are born with extra electrical pathways that increase the number of electrical impulses sent between the chambers of the heart.

Arrhythmias Signs and Symptoms

Keep an eye out for common arrhythmia warning signs such as:

  • Feeling of fluttering or palpitations in the chest
  • An abnormal heartbeat, either too slow or too rapid (a normal heart rate is approximately 60 to 100 beats per minute, but may be faster or slower depending on activity levels, fitness levels and other factors)
  • Chest pain
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
  • Shortness of breath

While many people with arrhythmias experience these symptoms, some patients demonstrate no warning signs, and others have symptoms that turn out to be unrelated to a heart rhythm disorder. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or suspect that you have an arrhythmia for any other reason, visit a doctor for screening and diagnosis. If your symptoms become frequent or severe, seek immediate medical attention.

Heart Rhythm Disorder Natural Treatments

When faced with heart rhythm disorder, or arrhythmia, many patients choose to explore natural treatments. They want to avoid prescribed medications or surgery. We support patients in choosing a natural remedy, so long as it proves useful. Various natural remedies for arrhythmia seem to make a difference.

For example, you could take foundational supplements that are high in multiple vitamins and minerals. By taking these on a daily basis, you can improve your heart’s natural rhythm. On the other hand, magnesium has proven quite effective at delivering oxygen to the heart muscle. It significantly relaxes the coronary artery, and thereby increases the heart’senergy production. Alternatively, several diet options can calm a fluttering heart. You can avoid caffeine and drink more water. You could also work to soothe your stress. Whatever option you choose, be sure to speak with a heart specialist beforehand for a proper diagnosis.

Types of Heart Rhythm Disorders

Even if you have a healthy heart, in perfect condition, you may still experience arrhythmias. However, most patients experience arrhythmias as a result of heart disease, heart attack-related injuries, and post-surgery healing. In any case, we need to consider multiple types of arrhythmias before we diagnose any single one.

Premature ventricular contractions (or PVCs) are among the most common arrhythmias. In layman’s terms, these are “skipped heartbeats.” Most of us feel them on occasion. Caffeine and stress can commonly cause PVCs. Premature atrial contractors, on the other hand, are early, extra heartbeats that begin the upper heart chambers. These chambers are known as the atria. These heart rhythms are typically harmless and require no treatment. Finally, many patients experience atrial flutter following a heart surgery. In these cases, the heart’s upper chambers beat too quickly.

Heart Rhythm Disorder Signs

Throughout your lifetime, it’s entirely possible to experience abnormal heart rhythms without ever knowing it. Specific rhythm patterns, however, can be dangerous — or even deadly. For example:

  • Palpitations – This pattern can feel like your heart “skipping a beat.” What you actually feel is an early heartbeat – an extra rhythm before the heart has an opportunity to fill with blood, therefore resulting in an uncommon pause.
  • Fluttering – A fluttering feeling is commonly due to an extra heartbeat – one occurring immediately after the other. Abnormal heart rhythms are also common reasons for wavering feelings.
  • Bradycardia – Also known as a slow heartbeat, bradycardia means there is not enough blood carrying oxygen throughout the entire body. Your heart is beating too slowly (usually under 60 beats a minute).

Speak with a specialist at Brookhaven Heart if you suspect that you have any of these conditions.

What Causes Heart Rhythm Disorders?

Even if you are completely healthy, it is entirely possible to experience a random arrhythmia. If you do, it is imperative that you speak with your chosen physician.

Heart rhythm disorders are typically caused by:

  • Infection or fever
  • Physical and/or emotional stress
  • Diseases including anemia or thyroid disease, both of which are common
  • Drugs and stimulants, including caffeine, tobacco, cocaine, amphetamines, alcohol, and various over-the-counter and prescription medications
  • Genes
  • Certain heart conditions

You can reduce your chances of heart rhythm disorders by adhering to healthy lifestyle choices, including proper dieting and regular exercise. Again, even a healthy heart can experience arrhythmias. It is highly recommended to schedule regular checkups with your doctor to catch any early warning signs of heart rhythm disorders. Treatment can begin once symptoms are discovered, thereby increasing your chances of leading a healthier lifestyle in the foreseeable future.

Get Treatment for Heart Rhythm Disorders

People experiencing some of the signs of a heart rhythm disorder or arrhythmias can contact Brookhaven Heart to schedule a screening and discuss your symptoms and treatment options with a doctor.

FAQs

What is the normal heart rhythm (sinus rhythm)? [Read The Answer]
What are treatment options for this heart rhythm irregularity? [Read The Answer]
What happens in the heart to cause an arrhythmia? [Read The Answer]

 

Welcome to Brookhaven Heart

  • ➤ Use online appointment booking for non-emergent medical conditions only. 
  • ➤ If your insurance requires a referral to see a specialist, you should obtain it from your PCP prior to your visit, failing which you shall be responsible for full payment for the visit.
  • ➤ Please bring your medications, results of recent labs, and tests if any on the day of your visit 
  • ➤ Please bring your updated insurance card and a valid form of ID such as a driver’s license.
  • ➤ Co-payments are due on the day of the visit. We accept credit cards, cash, or check.
  • ➤ When you arrive at our facility, please ask our staff to register you for the patient portal, which enables you to access your medical record, view lab results, request refills, and send e-messages to our office. 

We thank you for choosing us