Arrhythmia Specialist
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CorCareTx
Cardiologists located in McKinney, TX
Your heart pumps about 100,000 times each day. An occasional “skipped” beat can happen. But if your heartbeat is so irregular you can feel it, you need to see Brian Eades, MD, FACC, at CorCareTX. As an expert cardiologist in McKinney, Texas, Dr. Eades knows exactly when a patient’s arrhythmia is a cause for concern. If you feel like your heart rhythm is irregular, call the office or make an appointment online. When it comes to your heart health, it’s always best to be seen by a leader in the field.
Arrythmia Q & A
What is a heart arrhythmia?
A heart arrhythmia is a medical term for “irregular heartbeat.” Your heart may beat too quickly, too slowly, or in unsteady rhythms.
The sinoatrial node is your heart’s natural pacemaker where most of the rapid firing cells are located. Some arrhythmias happen when this electrical conduction is blocked or interrupted.
Other times, different cells sporadically start an electrical impulse, interrupting your normal heart rhythm. While a premature beat or short pause usually isn’t a concern, long-lasting arrhythmias can be dangerous.
Do I need treatment if I have arrhythmia?
It depends. For minor or occasional arrhythmias, Dr. Eades might just want you to come in for regular monitoring to see if your condition worsens. Whether your condition is serious or not, you need to learn to check your pulse and check it regularly.
If you do need treatment for arrhythmia, your plan may include:
- Minimizing your caffeine intake
- Take blood thinners or antiarrhythmic pills
- Losing weight and exercising
- Lowering your cholesterol
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator
- Pacemaker implantation
Dr. Eades provides some patients who have severe arrhythmias with a Holter monitor. It provides Dr. Eades with a full report of how your heart is functioning. This way he can decide if he needs to change your medications or find another treatment option for you.
This battery-operated device records your heart’s activity for 1-2 days, or longer if needed. It only requires you to attach small electrodes to your skin and wear the monitor for as long as prescribed.
Are there symptoms of arrhythmia?
Yes. Your arrhythmia symptoms may come and go or may be constant. Common arrhythmia symptoms include:
- Pounding heartbeat
- Slow heart rhythm
- Feeling of a “skipped” heartbeat
- Sweating or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
You might experience arrhythmia side effects during exertion, including exercise or walking up the stairs. For some though, symptoms come out of nowhere.
Either way, make a note of any abnormal rhythms or symptoms you notice to help Dr. Eades diagnose you. Let him know what, if anything, helps relieve your symptoms, and what time of day your arrhythmia occurs.
