How are arrhythmias treated?

How are arrhythmias treated?

Many arrhythmias in children are isolated occurrences and harmless, and do not need treatment. In many cases, arrhythmia is treated by treating the underlying problem, such as fever.

Treatment, when needed, depends on the child’s age and the type and cause of the arrhythmia. Treatment options include:

• Medicine: Many arrhythmias respond to medicine and need no other treatment. However, medicines have side effects and have to be watched closely.
• Radiofrequency ablation: This procedure involves a cardiac catheterization and uses radiofrequency energy applied to the area where the arrhythmia begins, heating it and causing tissue death. This is generally used to cure many forms of tachycardia.
• Cardioversion: This is a procedure in which an electrical shock is delivered to the heart to convert an irregular or fast heart rhythm to a normal rhythm.
• Implantable devices:
  • Pacemakers: These are small devices, placed just under the skin, that use electrical pulses to control abnormal heart rhythm.
  • Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD): These devices are also placed under the skin. They use electrical pulses or shocks to help control life-threatening arrhythmias.
• Surgery — A procedure called Maze surgery can be used to treat atrial fibrillation. During Maze surgery, the surgeon makes small cuts or burns in the atria to prevent the spread of disorganized signals.