Arrhythmia is the medical term for an abnormal heartbeat -the heart's beating rhythm may be too rapid or too slow. Arrhythmias typically result from short circuits or changes in the electrical system of the heart; this affects the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently and can inhibit circulation of blood in the body. Arrhythmia is a risk factor for stroke and heart failure.

Most people with arrhythmias don’t realize they have the condition; it’s usually diagnosed when they have a periodic check-up or while being treated for another condition. Having a family history of sudden cardiac arrest is an arrhythmia risk factor.Some arrhythmia patients may experience one or more of these symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of consciousness
• Chest pain
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting and collapsing
• Palpitations

• Medications to control heart rate
• Pacemaker
• Cardioversion
• Ablation Therapy
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillator
• Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab – EP Lab

The Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab (EP Lab) at Bumrungrad in Bangkok, Thailand provides diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or abnormalities of the heart’s electrical system.

While it’s not possible to prevent all arrhythmias, Prof.Dr. Koonlawee says that you can lower your personal risk by taking the following steps:

• Live smoke-free, lower your stress levels, and limit your intake of coffee and alcohol to only moderate amounts, or none at all;
• Follow a healthy diet;
• Get regular exercise;
• Follow your doctor’s recommendation for periodic check-ups and screenings .

Prof.Dr. Koonlawee Nademanee
Prof.Dr. Koonlawee completed a Cardiology Fellowship at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, UCLA in 1980. A pioneer in the field of cardiac arrhythmias and electrophysiology, Prof.Dr. Koonlaweedeveloped one of the first successful approaches to the ablation of atrial fibrillation, for which he has received international recognition. He was also one of the very first to describe the Brugada syndrome as the sudden unexplained death syndrome in Southeast Asia and developed ablation therapy for its treatment.

• Left Atrial Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Is the Fly in the Ointment a Silent Stroke?
  Nademanee K.and Amnueypol M. (2012, June).
• Prevention of Ventricular Fibrillation Episodes in Brugada Syndrome by Catheter Ablation Over the Anterior Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Epicardium.
  Nademanee K., et al.(2011, March 14).
• Clinical Outcomes of Catheter Substrate Ablation for High-Risk Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.
  Nademanee K., et al.(2008, February 29).
• A New Approach for Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Mapping of the Electrophysiologic Substrate.
  Nademanee K., et al.(2004, June).