Arrhythmias

An arrhythmia is when the rhythm of the heart is disrupted by either skipped heartbeats or an increase in heartbeats. A fast heartbeat is called

tachyarrhythmia

, a slow heartbeat is called

bradyarrhythmia

. A common irregular heartbeat is called

atrial fibrillation

. Arrhythmias are diagnosed by

cardiologists

using various tests which monitor the heart rate. These tests include an

electrocardiograph

(ECG), 24 hour ECG,

echocardiogram

or

electrophysiological

study (EP study). Once diagnosed a treatment plan is devised between cardiologist and patient. The treatment plan will depend on the severity and cause of the arrhythmia. Treatment may include medication, surgery or the insertion of a

pacemaker

to regulate the heart rate.