Feeling your heart skip a beat, race for no apparent reason, or beat irregularly is a deeply anxiety-inducing experience. Cardiac arrhythmias are disturbances in the heart's electrical system, and while some are harmless, others can significantly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or sudden fainting.
Don't live with the uncertainty of not knowing what's happening to your heart. As a specialist in Clinical and Interventional Cardiology, I dedicate myself to identifying the exact cause of these electrical disturbances to offer you a tailored treatment that will restore peace of mind with every heartbeat.
What does your Arrhythmia Assessment include?
Heart rhythm disturbances can be fleeting, so they require careful evaluation. During your visit to our office at the Mérida Clinic, we perform a comprehensive evaluation that includes:
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Specialized Clinical Review: We listen carefully to how and when your symptoms occur (palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath) and review your complete medical history.
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Resting Electrocardiogram (ECG): The essential test to "snapshot" your heart's electrical activity and detect blocks, pauses, or abnormal rhythms.
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Echocardiogram: An advanced structural ultrasound. Many arrhythmias are caused by faulty valves or an enlarged heart; this test allows us to rule out or confirm these physical problems.
With this information, we will develop a clear action plan. If your case requires it, we can coordinate extended monitoring studies (such as a 24-hour Holter monitor) to track arrhythmias that are not present during the consultation.
When should you seek medical attention immediately?
It's vital that you don't ignore the warning signs from your cardiovascular system. Schedule a priority evaluation if you experience:
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Strong, rapid heart palpitations or a fluttering sensation in the chest.
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Abnormally slow heartbeat (bradycardia) that causes extreme fatigue.
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Persistent dizziness, lightheadedness, or sudden blurred vision.
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Fainting (syncope or temporary loss of consciousness).
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Shortness of breath accompanied by chest tightness.
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Highly Specialized Solutions:
From Medical Treatment to Pacemakers
Depending on the type of arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, bradycardia, or heart block), the treatment varies. In many cases, a precise adjustment to your medication and lifestyle is enough to control your rhythm.
However, for cases where the heart's electrical system has more significant malfunctions, as an interventional cardiologist, I offer minimally invasive definitive options, including pacemaker evaluation and implantation. If you have already been prescribed this device, we provide a second expert opinion to confirm the diagnosis and perform the procedure under the highest medical safety standards.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arrhythmias (FAQ)
What does it feel like to have a heart arrhythmia?
Symptoms vary depending on whether the heart beats too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly. Patients in Mexico often describe the sensation as strong palpitations in the chest, feeling like the heart "skips" a beat, or a constant fluttering. This is often accompanied by dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, cold sweats, or, in more severe cases, fainting (syncope).
Is a cardiac arrhythmia dangerous or can it be fatal?
The severity of an arrhythmia depends entirely on its type and your overall heart health. Many arrhythmias are benign and only require medical monitoring. However, complex arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or severe electrical blocks can significantly increase the risk of heart failure, embolism, or stroke. You should never ignore these symptoms; timely medical diagnosis is vital to preventing serious complications.
What tests do I need to know if I have an arrhythmia?
The first-line test worldwide is the electrocardiogram (ECG), as it allows us to visualize the heart's electrical activity. As part of our comprehensive cardiac evaluation, we perform this test along with a structural echocardiogram during the same visit. Because some arrhythmias come and go (they are paroxysmal) and may not be present at the exact time of the consultation, in certain cases we will order a 24- or 48-hour portable monitor (Holter monitor) to track your heart rhythm while you go about your normal activities.
What is the treatment for a heart arrhythmia? Do I need surgery?
Not all arrhythmias require surgery. A large percentage of patients achieve excellent control of their heart rhythm with specialized medications (antiarrhythmics) and lifestyle adjustments (such as stress management, caffeine reduction, and blood pressure control). For cases where the electrical system has structural damage causing dangerously slow heartbeats, the treatment of choice is pacemaker implantation, a highly safe and minimally invasive procedure.
How much does a consultation for the diagnosis of arrhythmias cost in Mérida?
At my office located in the Merida Clinic, a comprehensive cardiology evaluation costs $1,200 MXN. This is not a basic consultation; it is a comprehensive clinical evaluation that includes, all in one visit, a highly specialized medical examination, a resting electrocardiogram, and a structural echocardiogram. This ensures you receive clear answers and a precise treatment plan in a single visit.
If you are looking for clinics that offer evaluation and diagnosis for Arrhythmias in Yucatán, Dr. Alvaro Torre provides highly specialized cardiology consultations at the state-of-the-art facilities of the Mérida Clinic, serving patients from all over the state and the peninsula.
Your Heart in Expert and Certified Hands
I am Dr. Alvaro Torre, a Clinical and Interventional Cardiologist. My medical practice is guided by excellence and continuous professional development.
Postgraduate studies at the Ignacio Chávez National Institute of Cardiology, the leading cardiovascular institution in the country.
Certified and Verified Physician: Professional License: 8349496 | Specialty License: 11577241.
