Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia describes a group of conditions that affect the heart’s natural rhythm. Different types of arrhythmias cause the heart to beat too fast, too slowly, or in an irregular pattern.
The Stanford Cardiac Arrhythmia Center provides expert, comprehensive care for people with all types of arrhythmias. Our electrophysiologists (specialists in the heart’s electrical system), surgeons, specialty nurses, and other care providers have years of experience and specialized training in arrhythmia care.
Our world-class doctors bring the latest advancements in research to our patient care, providing you with the highest quality of care available.
To request an appointment with one of our arrhythmia specialists, call: 650-723-7111.
Treatment for Arrhythmia
Our electrophysiologists and their teams have specialized expertise in all types of arrhythmia. We begin with a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to thoroughly understand your symptoms. Our doctors are especially skilled at interpreting test results, which helps us better plan your care.
With years of experience, we are leading research and practice of innovative therapies that offer a long-term solution for arrhythmia. Our focus is on expert care that relieves your symptoms, prevents complications, and improves your health.
Treatment Overview
Specialized Care for Women
After we establish a diagnosis of an arrhythmia, our team examines your case to review all possible treatments. We discuss these options with you to decide on the right treatment for your specific needs.
Devices that treat arrhythmia
For serious arrhythmias, you may need a device to control your heart rate and rhythm. We implant these devices in your chest using minimally invasive procedures:
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
- Pacemaker
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
- Lead and device extraction
Subcutaneous ICDs are available. Leadless pacemakers are alternate options to standard pacemakers and may be an option for some patients.
Learn more about our advanced treatment options for all types of arrhythmias, including:
Stanford’s Cardiac Arrhythmia Service is one of few programs in the country with a comprehensive cardiovascular genetics program, with specialists in inherited arrhythmias.
Supraventricular arrhythmias
- Atrial fibrillation
- Atrial flutter
- Atrial tachycardia
- Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT)
- Atrioventricular reeentrant tachycardia
- Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)
- Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Premature ventricular beats (PVCs)
- Torsades de pointes
Inherited arrhythmias
- Brugada syndrome
- Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT)
- Long QT syndrome
- Heart block
- Sick sinus syndrome
Specialized Care for Women with Arrhythmia
At Stanford, we understand that women with arrhythmia may have different health needs than men. Our specialists at the Women’s Heart Health Clinic have advanced training in understanding the different ways arrhythmia affects women, determining the best treatment options for them, and preventing possible complications.
Our arrhythmia care for women includes understanding:
Hormones
Certain types of arrhythmia, like supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), may be affected by female hormones. That means that as women go through changes in their lives, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause, their risk for developing an arrhythmia increases. Hormone involvement also means that an arrhythmia may be temporary and require short-term care. Our cardiologists work with women throughout their lives to give them the expert care they need.
Medication
Some drug treatments for arrhythmia may affect women differently than men. Women report more migraines when on certain medications. Women may also experience a reduced sex drive when on beta blockers, a drug commonly used to treat arrhythmia. If women are experiencing any unpleasant side effects from these drugs, our doctors find alternatives so they can live their best quality of life while managing the arrhythmia.
Pregnancy care
We safely treat pregnant women with arrhythmia while keeping their babies healthy. We prescribe alternative medications that are approved for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Our specialists can perform catheter ablations without using radiation, which minimizes the risk of long-term harm in women who are pregnant or wish to become pregnant.
Symptoms
Women often experience more symptoms of arrhythmia, particularly atrial fibrillation (AFib), than men do. Women’s symptoms may include:
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- Chest pain or tightness
Because women’s arrhythmia symptoms may mirror those of other heart conditions, our providers use the latest diagnostic tools to determine an accurate diagnosis.
Women with AFib also have a higher incidence of stroke than men. We monitor our patients closely and work with them to help prevent stroke.
Implantable monitors
An effective treatment for arrhythmia is an implantable loop recorder, a tiny device implanted under the skin near the heart to measure the heart’s electrical activity. When implanting this device, our surgeons use a special technique so women can continue to get breast cancer screenings and mammograms without disturbing the monitor.
We also use special implantation techniques for women who have had a mastectomy or breast reconstructive surgery.
After we establish a diagnosis of an arrhythmia, our team examines your case to review all possible treatments. We discuss these options with you to decide on the right treatment for your specific needs.
Devices that treat arrhythmia
For serious arrhythmias, you may need a device to control your heart rate and rhythm. We implant these devices in your chest using minimally invasive procedures:
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
- Pacemaker
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
- Lead and device extraction
Subcutaneous ICDs are available. Leadless pacemakers are alternate options to standard pacemakers and may be an option for some patients.
Learn more about our advanced treatment options for all types of arrhythmias, including:
Stanford’s Cardiac Arrhythmia Service is one of few programs in the country with a comprehensive cardiovascular genetics program, with specialists in inherited arrhythmias.
Supraventricular arrhythmias
- Atrial fibrillation
- Atrial flutter
- Atrial tachycardia
- Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT)
- Atrioventricular reeentrant tachycardia
- Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)
- Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Premature ventricular beats (PVCs)
- Torsades de pointes
Inherited arrhythmias
- Brugada syndrome
- Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT)
- Long QT syndrome
- Heart block
- Sick sinus syndrome
close Treatment Overview
Specialized Care for Women with Arrhythmia
At Stanford, we understand that women with arrhythmia may have different health needs than men. Our specialists at the Women’s Heart Health Clinic have advanced training in understanding the different ways arrhythmia affects women, determining the best treatment options for them, and preventing possible complications.
Our arrhythmia care for women includes understanding:
Hormones
Certain types of arrhythmia, like supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), may be affected by female hormones. That means that as women go through changes in their lives, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause, their risk for developing an arrhythmia increases. Hormone involvement also means that an arrhythmia may be temporary and require short-term care. Our cardiologists work with women throughout their lives to give them the expert care they need.
Medication
Some drug treatments for arrhythmia may affect women differently than men. Women report more migraines when on certain medications. Women may also experience a reduced sex drive when on beta blockers, a drug commonly used to treat arrhythmia. If women are experiencing any unpleasant side effects from these drugs, our doctors find alternatives so they can live their best quality of life while managing the arrhythmia.
Pregnancy care
We safely treat pregnant women with arrhythmia while keeping their babies healthy. We prescribe alternative medications that are approved for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Our specialists can perform catheter ablations without using radiation, which minimizes the risk of long-term harm in women who are pregnant or wish to become pregnant.
Symptoms
Women often experience more symptoms of arrhythmia, particularly atrial fibrillation (AFib), than men do. Women’s symptoms may include:
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- Chest pain or tightness
Because women’s arrhythmia symptoms may mirror those of other heart conditions, our providers use the latest diagnostic tools to determine an accurate diagnosis.
Women with AFib also have a higher incidence of stroke than men. We monitor our patients closely and work with them to help prevent stroke.
Implantable monitors
An effective treatment for arrhythmia is an implantable loop recorder, a tiny device implanted under the skin near the heart to measure the heart’s electrical activity. When implanting this device, our surgeons use a special technique so women can continue to get breast cancer screenings and mammograms without disturbing the monitor.
We also use special implantation techniques for women who have had a mastectomy or breast reconstructive surgery.
close Specialized Care for Women
Frequently Asked Questions for Accessing Care
The Stanford Cardiac Arrhythmia Service is not only dedicated to treating its patients with the finest treatment options available, but also to advancing those treatments. Clinical research studies may be sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, other governmental agencies, or industry.
We're actively developing new approaches to arrhythmia diagnosis and treatment, including:
- New device development
- New treatments and diagnostic techniques for Atrial Fibrillation
- New technologies for catheter ablation
- Integration of imaging in catheter ablation
- New treatments for arrhythmias in cardiomyopathies (hypertrophic, ischemic, nonischemic)
- New approaches to ICD and Pacemaker therapy
- Signal processing and mathematical techniques for diagnosis of arrhythmias
- New diagnostic approaches to patients with inherited arrhythmic disorders
We work with the Stanford Biodesign Program—an innovative collaboration between medicine and engineering—to develop new technologies in medicine.
Additional Research and Innovation Advancements
- A Stanford doctor co-invented a new form of ablation treatment called cryoablation (freezing), which has been used in over 200,000 patients worldwide, including patients with atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia.
- The Stanford Center for Arrhythmia Research has assembled more than 40 faculty who represent numerous disciplines and are collaborating to solve arrhythmia related problems.
- Stanford doctors have conducted clinical studies leading to approval of the radiofrequency energy ablation system measuring contact force to improve ablation outcomes. Learn more about radiofrequency ablation »
- Stanford doctors and surgeons were in the first FDA clinical trial to test hybrid surgical-catheter ablation, combining minimally invasive surgery with a catheter-based procedure to treat complex atrial fibrillation.
We participate in a wide range of insurance plans. View the list of insurance plans accepted by Stanford Health Care »
Have insurance or pre-authorization questions? The Patient Financial Clearance team is available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., to answer your questions. Please call 650-724-4445 or 1-877-291-7335 (toll free).
When choosing a doctor, it’s important to consider the doctor’s clinical training, experience and expertise in a specialized area that matches your health care needs.
You can find the right Stanford doctor for you by using our doctor directory and filtering the results based on a medical category, specialty, or doctor’s last name. View a list of cardiac arrhythmia doctors »
We offer a number of support services for arrhythmia, including cardiovascular support groups, interpreter services, nutrition services, a Lifestyle Modification Program, integrative medicine, a health library, and a variety of classes and events. Learn more about our support services »
You can call Cardiac Arrhythmia Service directly to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. Call 650-723-6459 to make an appointment.
Yes, Stanford Health Care offers financial assistance for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Meet with one of our financial counselors to find the best approach to paying for your health care. Financial counselors are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Learn more about financial assistance services »
Managing treatment for arrhythmia is a highly personalized process. Our clinic receptionists will confirm the information you should bring with you prior to your first appointment. For your first appointment, please bring the following test results and information:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Holter Report or ECG Monitor
- Echocardiogram (Ultrasound of the Heart)
- Heart MRI
- Heart CT
- Your medical history
- Report or results from a physical examination
You will also need to have the following information with you when you check in:
- Insurance card
- A form of payment for any co-pays or deductibles
- One form of photo ID:
- Valid state-issued driver’s license
- Valid state-issued ID card
- Valid passport
- Valid U.S. Military ID card
- Valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card
The Cardiac Arrhythmia Service is located at the following address. Self-parking options are available for a fee. For more information, please see Directions and Parking information for Cardiac Arrhythmia Service:
Please plan to arrive 20-30 minutes prior to your appointment time due to construction near the main hospital campus. This will allow you plenty of time to park, locate your clinic and complete any additional paperwork.
Please print, fill out, and return the Medical Record Release Form to your new patient coordinator. The medical release form is an authorization form for external facilities to release medical records to Stanford Health Care.
Always feel free to bring someone with you to your appointments. A family member or friend can help ask questions, remember the information your care team gives you, and provide support.
Write down your questions before your appointment and rank them in order of importance, beginning with the most important ones. If there isn’t enough time to have all your questions answered during your appointment, ask your doctor who you can speak with to get your other questions answered.
Current patients may reach one of our outstanding arrhythmia nurse specialists during clinic hours at 650-723-7111. For after-hours, reach the on-call arrhythmia doctor at 650-723-7111.
You have multiple options when it comes to paying your bill.
- Pay Online:
- You can log in to MyHealth or the MyHealth mobile app to see and pay your bill.
Already have an account but need help logging in?
Contact the MyHealth Help Desk
- You can also pay as a guest to pay your bill without logging in.
- Pay by mail:
- Stanford Health Care
P.O. Box 740715, Los Angeles, CA 90074-0715
Los Angeles, CA 90074-0715
- Stanford Health Care
- Pay by Phone:
- You can call our Patient Billing Customer Service Office
1-800-549-3720.
- You can call our Patient Billing Customer Service Office
For our latest business hours and for more information about billing, visit our Billing page.
We offer a number of support services for arrhythmia patients, including cardiovascular support groups, interpreter services, nutrition services, a Lifestyle Modification Program, integrative medicine, a health library, and a variety of classes and events. Learn more about our support services »
Please call our clinic receptionists at 650-723-6459. They are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help you reschedule or cancel your appointment.
To determine if a clinical trial is right for you, talk to your doctor. He or she can refer you to a research coordinator for more information on studies that may be right for your specific condition.
You can also find the guidelines for who can participate in a particular clinical trial online. However, it is best to work with your doctor to decide the right care approach for your needs.
Many of our programs are available to international patients.
Our International Medicine Services team can help you find the right doctor, estimate medical costs, book travel, and get you information about Stanford programs and services.
Please call +1 650-723-8561 or email IMS@stanfordhealthcare.org to get started.
Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials for Arrhythmia
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future.
To learn more about the clinical trials we offer, contact Gerri O'Riordan at 650-725-5597.
What Is Arrhythmia?
An arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart’s electrical system that affects heart rate and rhythm. Different arrhythmias can cause your heart to beat too fast, too slowly, or in a disorganized, irregular pattern.
The more serious arrhythmias affect your heart’s ability to pump enough blood to the body. Poor blood flow causes you to feel weak, tired, and short of breath. The lack of oxygen caused by poor circulation can damage the brain, heart, and other organs.
Some of the most serious arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, may cause collapse or even be life-threatening.
The heart’s electrical system controls your heartbeat by sending electrical signals from the top to the bottom of the heart. The signals begin in the sinoatrial node, specialized tissue in the right atrium (upper heart chamber) that conducts electrical activity.
The electrical signals travel through the right and left atria, causing them to contract and pump blood into the ventricles (lower heart chambers). The signals then continue to the ventricles, causing them to contract and pump blood to the lungs and the body.
An arrhythmia occurs when any part of this process is disrupted. Arrhythmias can range from mild and harmless to severe and life threatening. No matter what type of arrhythmia you have, we offer care to help you live a healthy life.
Our Clinics
Our nationally recognized electrophysiologists provide exceptional care with a compassionate touch for people with all types of arrhythmia. Our team includes experts from several heart specialties with decades of experience in patient-centered care.
RELATED CLINICS
Suite 150
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: 925-278-7017
Arrhythmia
Our doctors and their teams provide exceptional care for people with arrhythmia, a group of conditions that affect the heart’s natural rhythm.
arrhythmia
heart
irregular heartbeat
heart rhythm
heart rate
heart flutter
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