Nurse and patient are sitting across from each other in a clinic exam room. The nurse holds and positions the patients hands to check for their pulse.

Keeping Your Heart in Rhythm.

Arrhythmias & Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

Treatment for irregular heartbeat conditions

Whether your heart is beating too fast, too slow or with an irregular rhythm, the award-winning arrhythmia and AFIB specialists at Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute are ready to help.

Take the First Step

If you believe you are at risk for heart disease, it’s time to take the first step in improving your cardiac health. Visit your primary care provider to discuss your heart health to see if you need a referral to one of our heart specialists. If you do not have a primary care provider, follow the steps below to get started:

Step 1:
Visit your Primary
Care Provider

Step 2:
Discuss your
concerns

Step 3:
Your provider gives
a referral

Step 4:
Choose the right
specialist for you

Types of Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are grouped by where they start in the heart and how they affect your heart rate. They may cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow or irregularly. Identifying the type helps guide the right treatment.

Supraventricular Arrhythmias

These arrhythmias begin in the atria, the heart’s upper chambers. They often cause a fast or irregular heartbeat.

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia. The atria beat irregularly and out of sync with the ventricles. AFib raises the risk of stroke and may require medication or procedures to control rhythm and rate.

Atrial Flutter

Atrial flutter causes a rapid but more organized rhythm in the atria. Symptoms may include palpitations and fatigue. Treatment focuses on restoring rhythm and reducing stroke risk.

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a fast heartbeat that starts above the ventricles. Episodes often begin and end suddenly and may cause dizziness or chest discomfort.

Atrial Tachycardia

Atrial tachycardia is a rapid rhythm that begins in a small area of the atria. It may be brief or ongoing and can cause a racing heart.

Ventricular Arrhythmias

These arrhythmias start in the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles) and are often more serious.

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a fast rhythm in the ventricles that can limit blood flow. Sustained VT may become life-threatening and requires prompt treatment.

Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib)

Ventricular fibrillation (VFib) is a medical emergency. The ventricles quiver instead of pumping blood, leading to cardiac arrest without immediate defibrillation.

Premature Ventricular Contractions (PCVs)

Premature ventricular contraction (PVCs or PCVs) are extra beats that begin in the ventricles. They are common and often harmless but may feel like a skipped beat.

Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias occur when the heart beats too slowly due to problems with its electrical system.

Sinus Bradycardia

Sinus bradycardia is a slow heartbeat that starts in the sinus node. It may be normal in some people but can cause fatigue or dizziness in others.

Heart Block

Heart block occurs when electrical signals are delayed or blocked between the atria and ventricles. More severe cases may require a pacemaker.

Premature Beats

Premature beats are extra heartbeats that interrupt the normal rhythm. They are common and usually not serious.

Premature Atrial Contractions (PACs)

Premature atrial contraction (PACs) are early beats that start in the atria. They may feel like a flutter or skipped beat.

Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)

Premature ventricular contraction (PVCs) are early beats that begin in the ventricles. Frequent PVCs may need further evaluation.

Arrhythmias & Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

Treatment for irregular heartbeat conditions

Take the First Step

Step 1:Visit your Primary Care Provider

Step 2:Discuss yourconcerns

Step 3:Your provider givesa referral

Step 4:Choose the rightspecialist for you

Types of Arrhythmias

Step 1:
Visit your Primary
Care Provider

Step 2:
Discuss your
concerns

Step 3:
Your provider gives
a referral

Step 4:
Choose the right
specialist for you