Arrhythmias

The Arrhythmia Unit of the Heart Centre at Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria began its activity in 1993. It is currently the only one of its kind in Málaga and is a reference for the entire province. Our Unit also receives and treats patients from other Andalusian provinces. It specializes in patients with heart rhythm disorders and is divided into two distinct areas:

NON-INVASIVE AREA

The Arrhythmia Unit clinic provides treatment for 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.

The follow-up clinic for pacemaker and defibrillator patients provides care and monitors the progress of patients with a pacemaker, defibrillator, or other 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: Special catheters are inserted via the femoral vein/s and guided to the heart in order to record its electrical activity and stimulate it to induce the arrhythmia. This makes it possible to determine the mechanism that triggers the arrhythmia and its origin.

Catheter ablation: Once the diagnostic electrophysiological study has been completed, during the same procedure, a special catheter is introduced that can apply heat 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: to perform a catheter ablation is sometimes 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: this procedure may be performed to restore the heart’s normal rhythm when there is a prolonged arrhythmia, generally atrial fibrillation. After the patient is sedated, an electrical shock is delivered to the chest wall, restoring the normal rhythm.

Pacemaker implantation: one or two leads are introduced via the subclavian vein, guided to the heart and connected to a pacemaker. This is placed in a pocket under the skin, either in the left or right subclavicular area. This device is used to treat bradycardia 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 that have three leads: one for the right atrium, another for the right ventricle, and the third for the left ventricle. The aim of the device is to synchronize heart stimulation and improve symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath and fatigue, in addition to improving heart function. As it is a defibrillator, it also protects against potentially dangerous arrhythmias.

The Heart Centre’s Mission

The mission of the Heart Centre at Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Victoria is to improve people’s quality of life, addressing our patients’ vascular health challenges in innovative, sustainable ways, within a personalized environment that is welcoming, high-quality and safe.