Arrhythmias

The Arrhythmia Unit of the Cardiology Department at Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria began its activity in 1993. It is currently the only one in Málaga, serving as a reference unit for the entire province. The Unit also treats patients from other Andalusian provinces. It specializes in patients with heart rhythm disorders and is divided into two specific areas:

NON-INVASIVE AREA

The Arrhythmia Unit clinic is dedicated to treating patients referred by other cardiologists and focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of the different clinical conditions that cause rhythm disorders, as well as selecting the most appropriate treatment.

Follow-up clinic for pacemakers and defibrillators: for the follow-up of patients with a pacemaker, a defibrillator, or a cardiac resynchronization device, both in person and via telemedicine consultations.

Tilt-table test: for the differential diagnosis of syncope of unknown origin. This is an outpatient test that involves monitoring blood pressure and heart rhythm for a period of time (approx. 30 minutes) while the patient is on a tilt table inclined at 60°.

INVASIVE AREA

Diagnostic electrophysiological studies: Through puncture of the femoral vein(s), special catheters are introduced into the heart that can record its electrical activity and stimulate it to induce the arrhythmia. In this way, it is possible to determine the mechanism that triggers it and where it originates.

Catheter ablation: Once the diagnostic electrophysiological study has been performed, and in the same procedure, a special catheter capable of applying heat is introduced to destroy the arrhythmogenic area causing the tachycardia. This procedure is currently performed to treat most supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias.

Catheter ablation with mapping system: sometimes, to perform catheter ablation, it is necessary to create a map of the heart that helps locate the origin of the arrhythmia. This technique is used for more complex arrhythmias and for the treatment of atrial fibrillation by ablation.

Electrical cardioversion: To restore the heart’s normal rhythm when there is a prolonged arrhythmia, generally atrial fibrillation, electrical cardioversion may be performed. After the patient is sedated, an electrical shock is delivered to the chest wall, restoring the normal rhythm.

Pacemaker implantation: By puncturing a subclavian vein, one or two leads are introduced into the heart and connected to a pacemaker. This is placed in a pocket under the skin, in the left or right subclavicular area. It is used to treat bradycardias by monitoring the heart and, when necessary, pacing to prevent cardiac pauses or symptomatic slow rhythms.

Defibrillator implantation: the implantation technique is similar to that of a pacemaker, but the defibrillator, in addition to having a pacemaker function, is able to treat fast ventricular arrhythmias that are life-threatening, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.

Cardiac resynchronization device implantation: These are special pacemakers or defibrillators with three leads: one for the right atrium, another for the right ventricle, and the third for the left ventricle. The aim is to synchronize cardiac pacing and improve symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath and fatigue, as well as improve heart function. As it is a defibrillator, it also protects against potentially dangerous arrhythmias.

Mission of the Heart Area

The mission of the Heart Area at Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Victoria is to improve people’s quality of life and address vascular health challenges in an innovative and sustainable way, in a welcoming, high-quality, safe, and personalized environment.