Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias services offered in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Plant City and Riverview, FL

If your heart beats too fast or too slow, you may have an underlying arrhythmia that increases your risk for stroke. At Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute, with offices in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Plant City, Wesley Chapel and Riverview, Florida, the experienced cardiology team tailors a treatment plan to regulate your heartbeat and relieve symptoms like dizziness and shortness of breath. The providers also offer stroke prevention plans to improve your overall heart health. Call the Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute office nearest you to schedule a diagnostic evaluation or book a consultation online today.

Arrhythmias Q&A


What are arrhythmias?

When you have an arrhythmia, your heart may beat too quickly (tachycardia), too slowly (bradycardia), or at an irregular pace. Frequent arrhythmias can increase your risk of stroke and other cardiovascular complications. An arrhythmia develops when there’s dysfunction in the electrical signals of the heart that regulate its rhythm. Examples include:

Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common type of arrhythmia, which occurs when chaotic electrical signals cause the heart to beat rapidly.

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

SVT describes arrhythmias that start above the ventricles (lower heart chambers), which trigger episodes of pounding heart palpitations that start and end suddenly.

Ventricular tachycardia (VT)

VT is a rapid heart rate that prevents blood from filling the ventricles and reduces the amount of blood the heart can pump to the rest of the body. Florida Heart Institute provides comprehensive care for arrhythmias. The experienced cardiology team also offers personalized stroke prevention services to support your long-term heart health.

Does an irregular heartbeat cause fainting?

You may experience episodes of fainting with an irregular heartbeat. Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute if you experience any changes in your usual heart rhythm. Symptoms of an arrhythmia can include:
  • Heart fluttering
  • Skipped heartbeat
  • Racing heart
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Syncope (fainting)
  • Chest pain
The cardiology team diagnoses arrhythmia during a physical exam and a review of your symptoms and medical history. They may order an electrocardiogram (EKG) or echocardiogram to assess the function of your heart. The team may also use an implantable loop recorder to record the electrical activity of your heart. They implant the device under the skin of your chest to detect irregular heart rhythms as they occur.

How are arrhythmias treated?

In some cases, you may not need to start treatment right away but should continue to get regular checkups to monitor your heart health. If you need treatment, the Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute cardiology team may prescribe medications to regulate your heartbeat. You may also benefit from cardioversion, a procedure to reset your heart’s rhythm with medications or electrical shocks. When non-surgical therapies aren’t enough, your provider may recommend surgery to implant a pacemaker or perform a catheter ablation. Ablation uses heat or cold energy to create scar tissue in your heart that blocks irregular electrical signals. The team also recommends stroke prevention tips, such as eating more fresh foods, quitting smoking, and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Call the Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute office nearest you to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for arrhythmias or book an appointment online today.

Comprehensive Heart and Vascular Services

We offer comprehensive diagnostic and preventive heart and vein care, ensuring every patient receives accurate evaluation and effective treatment.

Interventional Cardiology

We specialize in minimally invasive procedures that open blocked arteries and restore proper blood flow, improving heart function and patient outcomes.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Our experts diagnose and treat narrowed or blocked vessels outside the heart, enhancing circulation and reducing pain in the legs and extremities.

Coronary Artery Disease

We provide advanced care to manage plaque buildup in coronary arteries, improving oxygen flow to the heart and preventing serious cardiac events.

Valvular Heart Disease

Our specialists assess and treat valve disorders to restore normal heart rhythm and ensure efficient blood flow throughout the cardiovascular system.

Hypertension

We offer personalized management for high blood pressure through medication, diet, and lifestyle adjustments to protect your heart and arteries.

Congestive Heart Failure

Comprehensive treatment plans help strengthen heart function, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life for patients with heart failure.

High Cholesterol

We focus on preventing heart disease through cholesterol management programs that combine medication, nutrition counseling, and lifestyle coaching.

Heart Palpitations

Our team evaluates irregular or rapid heartbeats with advanced diagnostic tools to identify causes and develop effective treatment strategies.

Arrhythmias

We diagnose and manage heart rhythm abnormalities using state-of-the-art monitoring and therapies that help maintain a steady, healthy heartbeat.

Atrial Fibrillation

We offer cutting-edge care for atrial fibrillation, using medication and minimally invasive procedures to restore normal rhythm and prevent stroke.

Syncope

Our specialists investigate fainting episodes to determine underlying cardiovascular causes and provide treatment to prevent future occurrences.

Echocardiogram

This non-invasive ultrasound test gives detailed images of your heart’s structure and function, helping us assess heart health and detect conditions early.

Cardiac Nuclear Stress Test

We use advanced imaging to evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle, identifying areas of reduced circulation or damage with high precision.

Venous Disorders and Management

We diagnose and treat varicose veins, deep vein issues, and other venous conditions to restore comfort, improve circulation, and prevent complications.

Holter Monitor

A portable Holter device records your heart’s activity over 24–48 hours, allowing accurate detection of rhythm irregularities in real-life settings.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

TAVR offers a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery, replacing damaged valves to improve blood flow and overall heart performance.

MitraClip Procedure

We perform MitraClip therapy to treat mitral valve regurgitation, improving heart efficiency and reducing symptoms without the need for surgery.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Interventions

Our specialists use advanced, minimally invasive techniques to dissolve clots, relieve pain, and prevent long-term vein damage from DVT.

Pulmonary Embolism Interventions

We offer rapid diagnosis and targeted treatments to remove or dissolve clots in the lungs, restoring breathing and reducing cardiovascular risk.

Watchman Device Implantation

This innovative procedure reduces stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients by closing the left atrial appendage and eliminating long-term anticoagulants.

Permanent Pacemaker Implantation

We implant pacemakers to regulate slow or irregular heartbeats, restoring proper rhythm and improving daily function and energy levels.

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)

Our ICD implantation helps prevent sudden cardiac arrest by detecting dangerous rhythms and automatically delivering corrective electrical pulses.

Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure

We close the small opening between heart chambers using a catheter-based device, reducing the risk of stroke and improving overall circulation.

Atrial Septal Defect Closure

This minimally invasive procedure repairs holes in the heart wall, restoring normal blood flow and preventing complications like stroke or heart failure.