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Main Page Types of Arrhythmias Cause Risk Factors Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Screening Reducing Your Risk Talking to Your Doctor Resource Guide

Treatment of arrhythmias depends on the type and seriousness of the particular rhythm disturbance. For example:

  • Medications are most often used in tachyarrhythmias (fast heart rates).
  • Electrical conversion is used for life-threatening irregular rhythms.
  • Pacemakers are used most frequently for bradyarrhythmias (slow heart rates).

Treatment aims to maintain the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.

Treatment involves the following:

Lifestyle changesMedicationsSurgeryOther treatments

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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References

  • Ferri F, ed. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2010. 1st ed. Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier, 2009.

  • Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Internal Medicine . 23rd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2008.

  • Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed. McGraw-Hill; 1998.

  • Libby P, et al. Braunwald’s Heart Disease .8th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2007.

  • Mayo Clinic and Foundation for Medical Education and Research website. Available at: http://www.mayo.edu/ .

  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ .

  • Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine . 3rd ed.

  • Rakel R. Textbook of Family Medicine 2007 . 7th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier, 2009.

  • Rakel RE, Bope ET. Conn's Current Therapy . 60th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier, 2009.