Arrhythmia
Tysons Corner &
Fairfax

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What Is an Arrhythmia?

An arrhythmia is when your heart beats too fast, too slow, or in an irregular pattern. You may notice it as fluttering, pounding, or racing in your chest. These symptoms are common and often harmless, but sometimes they may signal a deeper heart condition. At VeinGuard Heart & Vascular Center, we diagnose and treat arrhythmias in Tysons Corner and Fairfax with advanced testing and personalized care.

Your heart has a natural “electrical system” that keeps it beating in rhythm. Normally, the heartbeat starts in a cluster of cells in the right atrium called the sinus node, which acts as your heart’s natural pacemaker. When these signals are sent correctly, the heart maintains a steady rhythm. But when the signals are disrupted, arrhythmias can occur.

woman after visit for arrhythmia in Fairfax and Tysons Corner

What Types of Arrhythmias Are There?

Bradycardia – A slow heart rhythm, less than 60 beats per minute

Bradycardia is the result of a disease of the sinus node. Some medical conditions may be contributing factors. In the absence of symptoms, you may not need any treatment for bradycardia.  

Tachycardia – A rapid heart rhythm, more than 150 beats per minute

Tachycardia may be caused by abnormal heart cells or electrical connections, certain medicines, hormones, an existing heart disease, or a family history of arrhythmia.  

Abnormal heart rhythms in the upper chambers can be categorized into supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), more specifically atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation. In most cases, SVTs are not life-threatening, although they can weaken the heart muscle over time. 

When rapid heart rhythm originates in the lower heart chambers, as opposed to the upper chambers, the condition is known as ventricular fibrillation. It’s typically life-threatening, causing cardiac arrest and death if not treated immediately. 

What Puts You at Risk of Arrhythmias?

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Stress
  • Excessive alcohol or caffeine

What Are the Symptoms of Arrhythmia?

  • Palpitations or flutters
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Blackouts
  • Light-headedness
man after treatment for arrhythmia in Fairfax and Tysons Corner

How Is Diagnosis for Arrhythmia Performed?

Your doctor will assess arrhythmia in Tysons Corner and Fairfax based on your medical history, family history, physical examination, and the results of specific tests such as a 12-lead electrocardiogram, stress testing, or an ambulatory monitor.

You may need to wear an ambulatory monitor for a few days. There are various kinds of ambulatory monitors that capture your heart’s performance and are worn for different periods of time. Such are the Holter monitor (24-48 hours), the loop recorder (30 days), and the implantable loop recorder (14 months).

Patient Testimonials

“Dr. Khan is a very sweet and compassionate. She is a wonderful cardiologist and I will continue to see her for my medical care as long as she practices. I have been a patient for almost ten years and have never been disappointed with my treatment with her.”

Hameed Al-Hathal

“I was referred to Dr.Khan by a friend of mine who is a physician. I have been a patient of hers for several months: I have had over 15 office visits, and I am very impressed by her treatment and her abilities. She is very compassionate and understanding, and is an excellent surgeon. I also think she has a great staff including Cathy, Sally, Brandy, Katy and Abdul.

I would highly recommend Dr. Khan!”

Doug Wooddell

“Dr Fareeha, professionally she is outstanding, she is compassionate to patient's needs.i strongly recommend for consultation and treatment. Dr Fareeha beside being a an excellent cardiologist and vascular specialist. She treat her patients medical issues holistically.”

Nazli Haq

“Dr Khan and her staff have been some of the nicest people I have ever met. Not only that but Dr. Khan is also very well-educated and has wonderful bedside manners. I have been very satisfied with the medical care she provides and will continue to come out of my way to get here. I would also add that the staff goes out of their way to be engaging with their patients. This is the best specialist in the area to get your cardiovascular needs taken care of!”

Jane Hadley

What Are the Treatments for Arrhythmias?

Bradycardia

  • Reduce or stop certain medications, if any are being taken
  • Wear a pacemaker to monitor slow electrical activity

Tachycardia

  • Blood-thinning medications
  • An electrophysiology study (EPS) and ablation (surgical removal of body tissue) to destroy the tissues sending incorrect electrical signals
  • “Bearing down,” a maneuver where you are directed to breathe out with your stomach muscles but don’t exhale out of your nose or mouth

For additional information on treatment options for arrhythmia in Tysons Corner and Fairfax, please reach out to our office to schedule an appointment.

FAQs

If I’m experiencing heart palpitations, do I need to get checked out immediately?

If you experience frequent or persistent palpitations, make sure you see your doctor at the earliest. If you have additional symptoms, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or fainting, seek medical help immediately.

Do heart palpitations indicate underlying heart disease?

They might, but not always. Some forms of atrial fibrillation in young people may occur without any heart disease present. The symptoms may show for a short period of time, go away, and then return. That said, it is best to get recurring palpitations checked out.

Can I drive if I have heart arrhythmia?

As long as your condition doesn’t cause symptoms, it may be safe for you to drive. However, one should always consult their medical doctor directly when deciding such matters.

Dr. Fareeha Khan, M.D. FACC

Double Board Certified in Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease and Venous and Lymphatic Medicine

Dr. Khan, a double board-certified cardiologist in Interventional Cardiology and Cardiovascular Disease, is the medical director of VeinGuard Heart & Vascular Center and an assistant professor of medicine at the Medical College of Virginia. She specializes in treating arrhythmias and completed her cardiovascular clinical fellowship at Washington Hospital Center, Georgetown University. Her research experience includes work at the National Institutes of Health, and she completed her residency at Columbia University after graduating summa cum laude from Dow Medical College.

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