Innovative Medications to Treat Heart Rhythm Disorders
Loyola Medicine is a leader in the diagnosis and long term care of cardiac arrhythmia. Whether you suspect you might have an arrhythmia or have been recently diagnosed, the expert cardiologists at Loyola will develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Some arrhythmias may be treated with medication management in lieu of more invasive treatment options. If your cardiologist believes your arrhythmia can be corrected with medication, he or she will select a drug based on your specific type of arrhythmia and any other underlying heart disease or risk factors you may have. The following medications are most commonly used:
- Antiarrhythmic medications — Prevent arrhythmias from happening or convert your abnormal rhythm back to a normal rhythm. In emergency situations, antiarrhythmic medication can be given as a rescue medication through an IV line. They also may be used as extended release medication for treatment of tachycardia and premature ventricular contraction.
- Anticoagulants — Keep your blood from clotting, which is a risk of patients with atrial fibrillation.
- Beta blockers — Decrease your rapid heartbeat and can also reduce hypertension.
- Calcium channel blockers (CCB) — Help treat arrhythmias by keeping calcium from moving into the heart and blood vessel tissue.
As at top academic medical center, patients who come to Loyola have access to top clinical trials for medication management. Doctors at Loyola are committed to continuing research to advance the use of medicine for treatment of atrial fibrillation and other heart arrhythmias.
Why Choose Loyola for Heart Rhythm Medication Management?
Loyola serves as a major regional and national referral center for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, offering treatment options often unavailable elsewhere. Our skilled team of leading electrophysiologists, advanced practice nurses, technical staff, imaging experts and other professionals provides an integrated approach to the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of rhythm disturbances and their associated underlying conditions.
Risks of Medication Management
Treating heart arrhythmia with medication does have potential risks from the medicine itself. In addition to the risk of bleeding with anticoagulants, other medications may have the following side effects:
- Allergic reaction
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Continued arrhythmia
- Fainting
- Flushing
- Swelling of the legs or feet
