Arrhythmia

An irregular heartbeat is referred to as a heart arrhythmia. When the electrical signals that control how often the heart beats are not working properly, heart rhythm issues (heart arrhythmias) occur.

Heart arrhythmias, which may be completely safe, sometimes feel like your heart is speeding or fluttering. However, some heart rhythms can result in unwelcome — and perhaps even life-threatening — symptoms.

Types of heart arrhythmias

Heart arrhythmias are often categorised according to how quickly the heart beats. For instance:

• A rapid heart beat is known as tachycardia. The heart beats more than 100 times per minute while at rest.
• Bradycardia is the medical term for a sluggish heartbeat. Less than 60 beats per minute during at the resting heart rate.
• Heart block – the heart beats more slowly than normal and can cause people to faint.

Symptoms

Heart arrhythmias may not exhibit any symptoms or warning indications but are often identified while the patient is being examined for another condition.

When symptoms are displayed they usually present themselves in the following ways:

• A chest flutter
• A pounding heart (tachycardia)
• A gradual heartbeat (bradycardia)
• Chest pain
• Palpitations
• Breathing difficulty
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Sweating
• Fainting or near fainting

In the UK, around 2 million people have arrhythmias or other heart rhythm issues. If an irregular cardiac rhythm is correctly detected, the majority of affected individuals can lead normal lives.

Diagnosing heart arrhythmias

An electrocardiogram, records of your heart’s electrical activity, and is the most accurate approach to identify an arrhythmia (ECG). Wearing a tiny, portable ECG recording device for at least 24 hours may be necessary. This is called a Holter monitor or ambulatory ECG monitoring. In some cases people are asked to wear this device for up to 14 days.

Here at One Ashford Hospital, we have a dedicated team of cardiologist on hand to rapidly assess, diagnose and treat heart arrhythmias along with a range of other conditions.

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Arrhythmia treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at either the One Ashford Hospital or One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Healthcare

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in March 2016 (Ashford) December 2017 (Hatfield)
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• 0% and low finance options**
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

**Terms and conditions apply

Contact us and find out more

If you live in and around the Kent area and would like to visit our One Ashford Hospital please click here

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.