What is a heart arrhythmia?

 Did you think about your heartbeat today?

If you’re like most Americans, you probably didn’t give it much thought, even though your heart was beating constantly, anywhere from 60 to 100 beats a minute.

Normally, the heart’s electrical system causes the heart muscle to contract in a regular, controlled pattern. However, a problem anywhere along the electrical pathway causes a disturbance in the heart rhythm. This could lead to an irregular heart rhythm or a heart rate that’s too fast or too slow.



An abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) may be caused by a variety of things, including coronary artery disease or injury from a heart attack. It may also occur in an otherwise normal or healthy heart.

Symptoms of arrhythmia

An arrhythmia is a critical situation that many people aren’t even aware of, since it can be silent and not cause any symptoms. It can be dangerous if left untreated, leading to stroke, heart failure and even death.


“Cardiac arrhythmias can be particularly frightening and diagnosis is critical,” said Dr. Luis Pires, a board-certified specialist in cardiac electrophysiology at McLaren Macomb. “Our center is the only facility in Macomb County to offer complete electrophysiology services, which are imperative in detecting and treating a range of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation.”

Dr. Pires provides expert diagnosis and management of these problems at McLaren Macomb’s new Heart Rhythm Treatment Center.

There are several types of arrhythmias. Some of these include atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation (A-fib) – the most common type of persistent arrhythmia – and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).

While a person with cardiac arrhythmia may not have symptoms, there are sometimes a few warning signs. These may include a feeling of pounding in the chest, dizziness, breathlessness, weakness and fatigue, or fainting.

On the bright side, a variety of treatments are available for these conditions. After diagnosis, treatment options may include medications, lifestyle changes, or perhaps even a surgical procedure.

If you suspect that you, or someone you love, may be at risk, contact the Heart Rhythm Treatment Center at (586) 466-4810.