Heart Rhythm Disorders

Advanced Care for Cardiac Arrhythmias

Cardiologists and electrophysiologists at UMass Memorial Health offer advanced treatments for heart rhythm disorders (cardiac arrhythmias). As the most comprehensive cardiac arrhythmia program in Central New England, we are nationally recognized for our expertise in atrial fibrillation, the most common type of arrhythmia. If you have an arrhythmia, you can rest assured that you’re in the care of a compassionate, experienced team. 

What Is a Heart Rhythm Disorder? 

A heart rhythm disorder is a problem with the electrical impulses that regulate your heartbeat. An arrhythmia can cause your heart to beat too quickly, too slowly or at an irregular pace. 
When your heart doesn’t beat properly, it’s not pumping enough oxygen-rich blood to your body. Dizziness, shortness of breath and fatigue are common symptoms of an arrhythmia. Complications of arrhythmias include blood clots, stroke and cardiac arrest. 

Heart Rhythm Disorders We Treat

We offer advanced care for all types of arrhythmias, including inherited disorders and those accompanied by heart failure and other health issues. 

• Atrial fibrillation
• Atrial flutter
• Bradycardia
• Long QT syndrome
• Premature ventricular contractions
• Right and left bundle branch blocks
• Sick sinus syndrome
• Supraventricular tachycardia
• Ventricular fibrillation
• Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome

Our Approach to Arrhythmia Treatment

• Medication: We may recommend medicines to regulate your heartbeat or anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent blood clots. 
• Catheter ablation: Electrophysiologists use catheters and heat, cold or electrical energy to destroy cells causing an irregular heartbeat.  
• Cardioversion: We deliver electrical shocks through electrodes on your chest to “reset” your heart rhythm to a normal pace.
• Implantable devices: Electrophysiologists use minimally invasive procedures to implant the latest pacemakers and defibrillators to monitor and treat arrhythmias.
• Cardiac resynchronization therapy: People with heart failure and an arrhythmia may benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy, which helps your heart pump blood more efficiently.
• Surgery: We offer surgical ablation and left atrial appendage closure] to reduce the risk of stroke in people with AFib.