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Arrhythmias

An arrhythmia is when the heart doesn’t beat normally—it can be too fast, too slow, or just irregular. This can happen due to different reasons like genetics, medications, or other health issues. Some arrhythmias are mild, while others can be more serious. Treatment can include medicine, lifestyle changes, or surgery.

Types of Arrhythmias

  • Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): The most common type, where the heart beats fast and irregularly.
  • Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): A fast and irregular heartbeat, which can be dangerous if not treated.
  • Ventricular Fibrillation (VF): A serious, irregular, and fast heartbeat that can be life-threatening.
  • Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): A fast and irregular heartbeat that can be treated with medicine or surgery.
  • Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome: A rare condition where the heart beats rapidly and irregularly, often treated with medicine or surgery.
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Symptoms

  • Feeling like your heart is racing or skipping beats (palpitations)
  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Fainting or almost fainting

Causes

  • Genetics (family history)
  • Medications, like beta blockers or anti-arrhythmics
  • Health issues like high blood pressure or heart disease
  • Electrolyte imbalances (like low potassium or magnesium)
  • Heart injuries or trauma

Diagnosis

  • Do a physical exam
  • Use an Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the heart’s electrical signals
  • Perform Holter monitoring to track the heart’s activity over 24 hours
  • Do Cardiac catheterization to measure pressure in the heart
  • Run blood tests to look for other health problems

Treatment Options

  • Medications to help control the heart’s rhythm and rate
  • Lifestyle changes like eating healthy and exercising regularly to improve heart health
  • Surgery to fix or replace damaged parts of the heart
  • Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): A device to prevent sudden heart problems

Why Choose Us

Expert team

Our pediatric specialists have extensive experience in treating children.

Personalized care

We create treatment plans that fit each child’s unique needs

Support and education

We teach children and families how to care for them and prevent future cases

Advanced treatments

Access to the latest treatments and products

Contact

Please feel free to contact us with any general or medical enquiry by calling us.

+254-709-529-000

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