Comprehensive heart rhythm evaluation and management by board-certified FACC cardiologists at Cross County Cardiology — 5 NJ locations, same-week appointments available.

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What Is a Cardiac Arrhythmia?

A cardiac arrhythmia is any abnormality in the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. The heart normally beats 60–100 times per minute in a regular, coordinated pattern driven by the sinus node. When the electrical system misfires, beats occur too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly — producing the symptoms and risks associated with arrhythmic disease. Some arrhythmias are benign, while others carry significant risk of stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death if left untreated.

Common Arrhythmias We Treat

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) — The most common sustained arrhythmia, characterized by chaotic electrical activity in the atria producing an irregular, often rapid heart rate and substantially elevated stroke risk.

Atrial Flutter — A rapid, organized atrial rhythm (typically 250–350 bpm) that produces a regular or regularly-irregular ventricular response. Often requires ablation or cardioversion.

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) — Episodes of abrupt-onset rapid heart rate (150–250 bpm) originating above the ventricles. Highly treatable with medications or catheter ablation.

Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) — Extra heartbeats originating in the ventricles. Often benign but can cause significant symptoms and require treatment when frequent or symptomatic.

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) — A potentially dangerous rapid ventricular rhythm requiring urgent evaluation, particularly in patients with structural heart disease.

Bradyarrhythmias / Heart Block — Abnormally slow heart rates or conduction delays that may cause fatigue, dizziness, syncope, and occasionally require pacemaker implantation.

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Diagnostic Testing for Arrhythmias

Accurate arrhythmia diagnosis requires capturing the abnormal rhythm during a symptomatic episode. At Cross County Cardiology, we offer a full range of in-office diagnostic tools including 12-lead ECG, echocardiography, 24–48 hour Holter monitoring, 30-day cardiac event monitors, and exercise stress testing. For patients with infrequent or complex arrhythmias, we coordinate with specialists for electrophysiology study and implantable loop recorder placement.

Arrhythmia Treatment Options

Antiarrhythmic Medications — Rate control and rhythm control medications are the first-line approach for most arrhythmias. Our cardiologists carefully select and monitor medications based on arrhythmia type, underlying heart disease, and patient-specific risk factors.

Anticoagulation Therapy — For patients with AFib and elevated stroke risk (CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥2), we initiate and manage anticoagulation using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or warfarin with close monitoring.

Cardioversion — Electrical cardioversion to restore normal sinus rhythm in patients with persistent AFib or atrial flutter. Performed in a monitored setting with appropriate anticoagulation protocols.

Referral for Ablation — For drug-refractory arrhythmias, we coordinate referral to electrophysiology specialists for catheter ablation, including pulmonary vein isolation for AFib.

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Why Cross County Cardiology

• Board-certified FACC cardiologists with extensive arrhythmia management experience
• Comprehensive in-office monitoring including Holter and event monitors
• Full anticoagulation management for AFib and clot prevention
• Strong electrophysiology referral network when ablation is needed
• 5 NJ locations — Secaucus, Edgewater, Teaneck, Hoboken, North Bergen

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are palpitations always a sign of a dangerous arrhythmia?

Not always. Most palpitations are caused by benign premature beats (PACs or PVCs) triggered by caffeine, stress, lack of sleep, or dehydration. However, palpitations associated with chest pain, near-fainting, or rapid regular/irregular heart rate should be evaluated promptly by a cardiologist.

Can stress cause arrhythmias?

Yes. Emotional and physical stress triggers the release of adrenaline, which can cause premature beats or trigger sustained arrhythmias such as SVT or AFib in susceptible individuals. Stress management is an important part of arrhythmia treatment.

Is atrial fibrillation life-threatening?

AFib itself is rarely immediately life-threatening, but it carries a 5-fold increased risk of stroke due to blood clot formation in the left atrial appendage. Long-term uncontrolled AFib also leads to tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. With proper anticoagulation and rate/rhythm control, most AFib patients live normal, active lives.

What is the difference between AFib and a normal irregular heartbeat?

In AFib, the atria fire chaotically at 300–600 impulses per minute, producing an irregularly irregular ventricular response. Occasional premature beats cause a brief skip but otherwise maintain a normal rhythm. An ECG distinguishes these patterns definitively.