Arrhythmia Treatment in Beverly Hills
What Is Arrhythmia?
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm that occurs when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly. Some arrhythmias are relatively harmless, while others can affect how effectively the heart pumps blood or increase the risk of complications such as stroke or heart failure.
Dr. Omeed Warej offers expertise in both internal medicine and cardiovascular disease for the evaluation and management of arrhythmias. He can assess your symptoms, medical and family history, medications, cardiovascular risk factors, and available diagnostic information to determine whether additional testing or treatment is appropriate.
As a double board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Warej can also help distinguish symptoms related to an abnormal rhythm from those caused by other cardiovascular or medical conditions. When specialized electrophysiology care is necessary, he can coordinate appropriate specialty evaluation.
The Signs and Symptoms of Arrhythmia
Arrhythmias can occur with or without noticeable symptoms. When symptoms are present, they may include:
A sensation of pounding, racing, fluttering, or skipped heartbeats
Noticeable changes in the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat
Feeling faint or unsteady, particularly during exertion
Difficulty breathing during activity or at rest
Unusual tiredness or reduced ability to perform normal activities
Becoming unusually winded or fatigued during physical activity
Pressure, tightness, or discomfort that may accompany an abnormal rhythm
Loss of consciousness or a sensation that you may pass out
Symptoms such as severe chest pain, significant difficulty breathing, fainting, or other potentially serious symptoms require immediate medical evaluation rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
How Arrhythmia Is Treated
Arrhythmia treatment depends on the specific rhythm disorder, its underlying cause, your symptoms, and your overall cardiovascular risk. Some arrhythmias may simply require observation and periodic monitoring, while others require medication, procedural treatment, or specialized electrophysiology care.
Dr. Warej begins by determining what may be contributing to the abnormal rhythm and whether additional evaluation is needed.
Depending on your circumstances, care may include:
EKG and other appropriate cardiovascular testing to characterize your heart rhythm
Evaluation of blood pressure, cardiovascular history, family history, and other factors that may influence treatment
Reviewing medications that may control an arrhythmia or contribute to abnormal rhythms
Addressing cardiovascular or metabolic conditions that may affect heart rhythm
Tracking symptoms and cardiovascular findings over time
Referral to or collaboration with an electrophysiologist when advanced rhythm management is appropriate
An arrhythmia does not necessarily require treatment simply because an abnormal rhythm has been identified. The appropriate approach depends on the type of arrhythmia and its clinical significance. Dr. Warej can help determine when monitoring is sufficient and when more active intervention should be considered.
Our Concierge Primary Care Membership Programs
Arrhythmia care can be incorporated into our concierge membership structure, with the scope of cardiovascular services varying by membership level.
Cardiovascular Specialty Membership
Designed for patients who maintain a trusted primary care physician but want dedicated cardiovascular oversight. Dr. Warej can evaluate and manage cardiovascular concerns, including arrhythmias, while coordinating with your primary care physician as needed.
Cardiovascular + Primary Care Membership
Dr. Warej serves as both your primary care physician and cardiologist, allowing arrhythmia care to be considered alongside your medications, chronic conditions, preventive care, and overall health.
Executive Concierge Program
Our most comprehensive membership, with enhanced physician access and three levels of concierge service. Depending on the selected level, members may receive priority access, direct physician communication, broader care coordination, and additional cardiovascular and preventive services.
The right membership depends on whether you are seeking dedicated cardiovascular oversight or a more comprehensive physician relationship encompassing both primary and cardiovascular care.
FAQs About Arrhythmia
What type of doctor should I see for an irregular heartbeat?
An arrhythmia doctor in Beverly Hills may be a cardiologist with expertise in evaluating abnormal heart rhythms, while some patients require care from a cardiac electrophysiologist who specializes specifically in heart rhythm disorders. Dr. Warej can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether additional cardiac testing or an electrophysiology referral is appropriate.
How is an arrhythmia diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a medical history, symptom review, physical examination, and EKG. Depending on the circumstances, additional rhythm monitoring or cardiovascular testing may be appropriate. The goal is to determine what type of rhythm abnormality is occurring and whether it has clinical significance.
Are heart palpitations always a sign of an arrhythmia?
No. Palpitations can occur for many reasons, including stress, stimulants, medications, dehydration, hormonal changes, and other medical conditions. They can also be caused by an arrhythmia. A cardiovascular evaluation can help determine whether palpitations require further testing.
When should I see a cardiologist for heart palpitations?
Persistent, recurrent, unexplained, or activity-related palpitations warrant medical evaluation, particularly when accompanied by dizziness, fainting, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or reduced exercise tolerance. Patients looking for an arrhythmia cardiologist in Beverly Hills can begin with a cardiovascular evaluation to determine whether rhythm monitoring or other testing is appropriate.
Can an arrhythmia be treated without surgery?
Many arrhythmias can initially be managed without surgery. Depending on the specific rhythm, treatment may involve observation, lifestyle changes, medication, monitoring, or referral for a specialized procedure. The appropriate approach depends on the type and clinical significance of the arrhythmia.
How do I choose the right cardiologist for an arrhythmia?
When evaluating the best cardiologist in Beverly Hills for an arrhythmia, consider the physician's cardiovascular training, experience evaluating rhythm disorders, access to appropriate diagnostic testing, and ability to coordinate specialized electrophysiology care when needed. Dr. Warej's dual board certification in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease allows him to evaluate arrhythmias within the context of your overall health.
Can an arrhythmia increase my risk of stroke?
Certain arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. Whether treatment to reduce that risk is appropriate depends on the type of arrhythmia and your individual risk factors. A cardiologist can assess your risk and determine whether medication or additional management is warranted.