North Texas Heart Center

Heart arrhythmias, also known as heart rhythm problems, happen when the electrical signals that tell the heart when to beat and pump blood aren't working properly. An irregular heartbeat can be harmless, but other heart rhythm issues can be life-threatening. Watch our short video to learn more.⁣
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[ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: Signs and symptoms of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)⁣
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Tachycardia⁣
A racing heartbeat ⁣
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Bradycardia⁣
A slow heartbeat⁣
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Chest pain or shortness of breath⁣
This may require emergency care⁣
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Feeling faint or fainting⁣
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Your family history can play a role⁣
Sudden cardiac arrests may be linked to inherited arrhythmias⁣
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If you feel you are experiencing signs and symptoms of arrhythmia, seek medical attention right away.]⁣

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Today, we’re sharing some of the reasons why we’re thankful.

[ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT:

We give thanks for our colleagues who show up every day to care like family.

We're also grateful for the patients we serve and the support of our communities.

We wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Thanksgiving!]

Irregular heartbeat, fluttering, fatigue and lightheadedness are just some of the symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AFib), which accounts for more than 450,000 hospitalizations each year in the U.S.⁣
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Speak with your doctor if you're concerned about unusual symptoms that may suggest an arrhythmia. An electrophysiologist is a cardiologist that specializes in identifying and treating heart rhythm disturbances. ⁣
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[ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT:⁣
What is an electrophysiologist?⁣
All electrophysiologists are cardiologists, but not all cardiologists are electrophysiolgists.⁣
Electrophysiologists deal with electrical impulses in the heart that control its rhythm and trigger heartbeats.⁣
Think of an electrophysiologist like an electrician, dealing with electricity in the heart, while a cardiologist is more like a plumber, managing the blood flow. ⁣
Electrophysiologists are trained to diagnose and treat arrhythmias.]

September brings National Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month. AFib is the most commonly diagnosed heart arrhythmia and is estimated to affect as many as six million Americans. This month we're sharing the basics about this condition and how it can be treated. ⁣
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[ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT:⁣
What is AFib?⁣
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is the most common type of treated heart arrhythmia, a disturbance in which the heart beats too fast, too slowly or irregularly.⁣
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is an electrical glitch in the upper chambers of the heart, including atrial flutter, which results in arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms. AFib is one of the major components of SVT. ⁣
There are two types of AFib:⁣
• Paroxysmal AFib (intermittent atrial fibrillation) ⁣
When the cardiac rhythm disturbance comes and goes, either by itself or with medicine, within seven days.This condition may occur a few times a year or every day. ⁣
• Persistent AFib (continuous atrial fibrillation) ⁣
When the cardiac rhythm stays out of rhythm for more than seven days. This condition requires some type of treatment.]