Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
& Other Arrythmias

An arrhythmia happens when the electrical signals in your heart don’t fire properly. Your heart may beat too fast, too slow or in an inconsistent pattern. If you have an arrhythmia, your heart may not pump enough blood for your body. As a result, you may feel tired, anxious, or out of breath.

Arrhythmias can feel like flutters. They may also feel like a racing or pounding heartbeat. Some arrhythmias are harmless, but others can be life-threatening.

Emory Healthcare specialists offer advanced treatment for atrial fibrillation and heart arrhythmias. We are leaders in arrhythmia and AFib treatment. 

It’s possible to have an irregular heartbeat without experiencing any signs. If you do feel symptoms, they can include:

Several factors can increase your risk for an arrhythmia. Some arrhythmias can have additional risk factors, but these are the most common:

The types of bradycardia include:

• Heart block: If your heart’s electrical signals are blocked, your heartbeat may slow down. Some blocks don’t cause symptoms. Others may trigger skipped or slowed heartbeats.
• Sick sinus syndrome: This arrhythmia occurs when scar tissue develops around your sinus node. The sinus node sets your heart’s pace. When it doesn’t work correctly, your heart may pause, stop or beat too slowly. Your heartbeat may also alternate between too fast and too slow.   

AFib is a type of tachycardia. Other types include:

• Atrial flutter: This condition is similar to AFib, but your heartbeat is more coordinated. Atrial flutter may also increase your risk of stroke.
• Supraventricular tachycardia: These arrhythmias begin in the top chambers of the heart. Several different types of SVT can cause rapid heart beat. SVT often occurs in young, healthy people without other heart problems. You may feel a pounding heartbeat that suddenly starts and stops. 
• Ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation: Irregular electrical signals prompt your heart’s lower chambers to squeeze in a rapid rhythm. It typically occurs in people who have had a heart attack or have an enlarged heart. This arrhythmia can be life-threatening if your heart’s normal rhythm doesn’t return within a few minutes. 
• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a specific type of SVT which results from a heart birth defect. If you have this condition, an extra electrical pathway in your heart causes a fast heart rate. Some cases of Wolff-Parkinson-White can be life-threatening.  

Electrophysiologists at Emory Healthcare use leading-edge technology to diagnose your arrhythmia as quickly as possible.

Our electrophysiologists may recommend these diagnostic tests:

• Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to capture a moving picture of your heart. These pictures show your heart’s structure and how well it’s working.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG): This test measures your heart’s electrical activity. It records the strength and frequency of each electrical signal that travels through your heart.
• Electrophysiology (EP) study: Our electrophysiologists use X-rays to guide a thin, flexible tubes (catheters) into the heart to record electrical signals and identify arrhythmias. If an arrhythmia is identified, sometimes an ablation procedure to treat the arrhythmia can be performed at the same time as the EP study
• Holter monitor or event monitor: External patch monitors worn on your skin which can record electrical signals from the heart and diagnose arrhythmias. You can wear these devices for up to a month. 
• Implantable loop recorder: A small device which can be inserted beneath the skin in your chest to monitor heart rhythms and identify arrhythmias. Implanted loop recorders can remain in place for several years
• Tilt Table Test: If you faint frequently, this test can evaluate your blood pressure. During this test, you rest on a special table. You will be at a 70-80 degree angle for 30-45 minutes. Our providers will monitor your heart rhythm and blood pressure.