LOYOLA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEMWhat are heart rhythm disorders?
Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) are caused by irregular electrical impulses that create a disturbance in heart contractions, leading to inefficient pumping of blood to the body. In general, a normal resting heart rate when inactive or during sleep ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Although there are several types of arrhythmias, they may be classified into four main categories:
- Ventricular arrhythmias, which begin in the heart's lower chambers (ventricles).
- Supraventricular arrhythmias, which begin above the ventricles, in the atria, or in the atrioventricular node.
- Bradyarrhythmias, which are slow heart rhythms caused by the slow generation of electrical impulses or the blocking of impulse propagation. These typically lead to heart rhythms slower than 60 beats per minute.
- Tachycardias, which are rapid heart rhythms that exceed normal resting heart rate, typically more than 100 beats per minute.
Treatments for heart rhythm disorders that we provide include medication management, cardioversion, catheter ablation and the implantation of a cardiac defibrillator or pacemaker.
The Loyola difference
Loyola is a nationally recognized leader in cardiac care. U.S. News & World Report ranked us as a top 20 hospital for cardiology and heart surgery in 2011, making this our ninth year in the top 50.
Learn more about our performance outcomes.
For more information
Call (708) 216-9449 to speak with a heart rhythm disorder representative.
