Treating arrhythmias

There are several different forms of arrhythmia and the symptoms, typically palpitations, vary in severity from person to person and can have a profound effect on quality of life. Although some patients have benign rhythm disturbances that respond to simple reassurance or medication, significant developments in recent years have provided clinicians with a number of treatment options for patients with more serious arrhythmias. These include implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), sophisticated pacemakers and catheter ablation.

The treatment a patient receives is dependent on the type and severity of the arrhythmias they have. Where possible, catheter ablation should be used as a first line therapy as it often cures arrhythmias. Arrhythmias can sometimes be treated with drug therapy and in certain patients, the implantation of an electrical device such as a pacemaker or ICD is essential to manage them safely. Combinations of treatments are often needed.

Many doctors see patients with arrhythmias, including a variety of different cardiologists. Doctors with expertise in the treatment of arrhythmias are called electrophysiologists and are skilled in assessing the best treatment for patients with cardiac arrhythmias