3 Types of Arrhythmia That Cardiac Ablation Can Treat

Cardiac ablation, also called arrhythmia ablation, is a minor procedure, which is why doctors usually reserve it as a last resort after other treatments have failed. Not every type of arrhythmia goes straight to this electrophysiology intervention, though. Here are the types of arrhythmia that can be treated with cardiac ablation.

Types of Arrhythmia Treated with Ablation

1. Supraventricular Tachycardia

Supraventricular tachycardia, or SVT, is a type of arrhythmia in which the heart beats faster than normal because the electrical impulses that regulate the heartbeat are not working properly. As a result, the heart muscle cannot relax between contractions.

On top of that, the ventricles cannot contract forcefully enough to supply blood to the body, including the brain. That is why patients with this condition commonly feel dizzy or faint. Anyone can develop SVT, but it is especially common between the ages of 25 and 40.

2. Atrial Fibrillation

The next type of arrhythmia that calls for electrophysiology intervention is atrial fibrillation, or AF. People with AF have a fast, irregular heartbeat and may show no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they may come and go, last a long time, or become permanent.

Left untreated, AF can lead to stroke and heart failure. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, chest pain and heart palpitations. Because the symptoms often come and go, many people brush them off and never see a doctor.

3. Ventricular Tachycardia

Ventricular tachycardia, or VT, is another type of arrhythmia that may require cardiac ablation or electrophysiology intervention. In VT, the ventricles, the heart's lower chambers, beat too fast, and patients may have no symptoms at all.

When the left ventricle pumps too fast, it falls out of sync with the atria, so the heart cannot pump blood effectively and the body becomes short of oxygen.  Over time, untreated VT can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fainting and a pressing chest pain.

That is why VT needs specialized treatment to prevent sudden cardiac arrest. It may be caused by an existing heart condition, such as heart failure, a previous heart attack, a congenital heart defect or coronary artery disease.

Not every type of arrhythmia is treated with cardiac ablation right away. The procedure is used for certain types, like the ones described above. If you have symptoms that point to any of these conditions, see a doctor right away.

One doctor who specializes in arrhythmia is Dr. Sunu Raharjo. See his profile here: https://heartology.id/dr-sunu-raharjo