Heart rhythm disorders, also known as cardiac arrhythmias, are irregular heartbeats. As a general rule, an adult heart beats between 60 and 100 times a minute. Bradycardia is a below-normal heart rate (less than 60 beats per minute). The heart can even go so far as to make pauses that are felt by the patient. Tachycardia, on the other hand, is characterized by heartbeats in excess of 100 beats per minute. The patient then experiences palpitations or a racing heart.
A heart rhythm disorder manifests itself as malaise, syncope, paleness and unpleasant sensations resembling blows to the chest.
Bradycardia and tachycardia can last from a few seconds to several months. These diseases can occur at any age, and are often found in the elderly.
Rhythm disorders increase the risk of stroke and can cause sudden death.
In the event of symptoms, a consultation with a cardiologist is necessary. A cardiological workup consisting of a cardiac ultrasound, a rhythmic holter (continuous 24-hour monitoring of heart rhythm using a small recording device), and an ECG (Electrocardiogram) is required to complete the diagnosis.
Further diagnosis may be required with the installation of an implantable holter, enabling continuous monitoring of heart rhythm for 2 years. Medication may then be required to treat the heart's arrhythmia.
In the event of a slow heartbeat or a pause in the cardiac rhythm, a pacemaker may be proposed.
In the event of ventricular tachycardia (palpitation or fibrillation of the heart's ventricles), an Implantable Automatic Defibrillator is often required.
Atrial fibrillation, also known as atrial fibrillation cardiac arrhythmia (AFCA), is a form of heart rhythm disorder characterized by a highly irregular and, in most cases, rapid heart rate. This is caused by irregular activity within the atria, resulting in what's known as an " electrical hurricane ".
There are two forms of atrial fibrillation: persistent and permanent. Persistent atrial fibrillation means a heart rate that lasts longer than 7 days, but which can return to normal if the person follows effective treatment. Permanent atrial fibrillation will be present for the rest of a person's life, as its name suggests, because the heart rate cannot return to normal.
This pathology can be detected if a person has any of the following symptoms: heart palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and dizziness.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk ofstroke. In the event of symptoms, a consultation with a cardiologist is necessary. A cardiological workup consisting of a cardiac ultrasound, a rhythmic holter (continuous 24-hour monitoring of heart rhythm using a small recording device), and an ECG (Electrocardiogram) is required to complete the diagnosis.
Further diagnosis may be required with the installation of an implantable holter, enabling continuous monitoring of heart rhythm for 2 years. Medication may then be required to treat the heart's arrhythmia.
Treatment with medication may be proposed. Minimally invasive AF ablation is the definitive treatment for this pathology.
Symptoms of " palpitations ", syncope, slow or pausing heartbeat are common and occur in both men and women. Episodes of rhythm disorders are due to electrical malfunctions in the heart and can occur at any time.
People with symptoms therefore require continuous monitoring of their heart rate. With an implantable cardiac monitor (cardiac Holter), the heart's rhythm (pulsations) is continuously monitored for 2 years to identify when the heart begins to beat abnormally.
If a very slow heart rhythm (bradycardia) is detected, or if there is a high risk of a cardiac rhythm event (detected by a 24-hour cardiac holter or electrocardiographic recorder), a pacemaker (or pacemaker or heart battery) may be required.
When the pacemaker detects an abnormal or transient absence of heart rhythm, it sends electrical impulses to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. It also enables your cardiologist to monitor your heart rate continuously for 2 years via a mobile application. If rhythm disorders are detected despite the pacemaker, the cardiologist may suggest additional treatment.
This procedure involves inserting a catheter into the femoral vein, using heat (radiofrequency) or cold (cryotherapy) to burn out the electrical circuit faults responsible for rhythm disorders:
Innovative non-invasive technique requiring an experienced operator.
3-dimensional reconstruction of the heart and electrical impulses for precise visualization of rhythm disorders. The sources of arrhythmia are then classically ablated.
The Implantable Automatic Defibrillator will analyze the heart rhythm collected via implanted probes. Its algorithm identifies the nature of the tachycardia and then triggers rapid stimulation of the heart to normalize the rhythm. If necessary, it can deliver an electric shock, particularly in the event of ventricular fibrillation. It also enables your cardiologist to monitor your heart rate continuously via a mobile application.
A small incision, about 5 to 10 cm long, is made in the upper chest, just below the collarbone. One or two leads are guided via a vein to the heart, and then connected to the cardiac device. The cardiologist ensures that the lead is in a stable position, connects the lead to the box, checks that everything is working properly and closes the skin. The defibrillator is inserted under the skin and the incision in your chest is closed.
SPÉCIALITÉS
Prise en charge diagnostique et thérapeutique des arythmie cardiaque; implantation de pacemaker (PM) et de défibrillateur automatique implantable (DAI); contrôle de pacemaker et de défibrillateur; prise ne charge diagnostique et thérapeutique des causes cardiologiques d’accident vasculaire cérébral (AVC); réglage avant examen IRM des stimulateurs et défibrillateurs cardiaques; holter ECG ( holter rythmique de 24 heures et longue durée); prise en charge des palpitations et syncopes; – prise en charge de l’insuffisance cardiaque.
ÉTUDES
University of Medicine, Bordeaux, France
MSc in Biology and Medical Science: Histopathology and Cytopathology
MSc in Biology and Medical Science: Cytogenetic and Molecular Genetic
Fellowship, Internal Medicine – American Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
Fellowship, Electrophysiology – Columbia Hospital, NY, USA
Fellowship, Electrophysiology – St Thomas’ Hospital. London, UK
National University Diploma in Echography, France
MSc 2: Biology, Physiopathology, Heart and Circulation Pharmacology, France
National University Diploma in Electrophysiology, France
EXPÉRIENCE
University Hospital of Bordeaux (France), department of cardiology and arrhythmias
Saint George’s University Hospital, London (UK), department of cardiology and arrhythmias
American Hospital of Paris, Neuilly-sur-Seine, Paris (France); department of cardiology and arrhythmias.
