On this week’s Health Matters, pharmacists Paul White and Brad White welcomed Dr. Haider Al Taii of Aultman Deuble Heart & Vascular Hospital Cardiovascular Consultants to discuss disorders of the heart’s electrical system .
Heart disease is often thought of as a “plumbing problem” — blocked arteries and reduced blood flow.
But many serious heart conditions are actually electrical problems.
Understanding the difference can help you recognize symptoms early and protect your long-term health.
🫀 The Heart Is an Electrical Organ
Your heart beats because of a precisely coordinated electrical signal.
The signal starts in the SA node (your heart’s natural pacemaker)
It travels through the atria
Then down to the ventricles
Creating the coordinated contraction we feel as a pulse
When that electrical system misfires, the rhythm becomes abnormal.
These abnormal rhythms are called arrhythmias.
Some are harmless.
Others can increase stroke risk or even become life-threatening.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): The Most Common Rhythm Disorder
One of the most discussed electrical disorders is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib).
What is AFib?
AFib occurs when the atria (the upper chambers of the heart) beat chaotically instead of in an organized rhythm.
Instead of a steady “lub-dub,” the heart may:
Flutter
Race
Skip
Or feel irregular
Symptoms to Watch For
AFib doesn’t always cause dramatic symptoms.
Some patients feel nothing at all.
Common symptoms include:
Palpitations
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Dizziness
Chest discomfort
Reduced exercise tolerance
If symptoms are severe — especially chest pain, fainting, or extreme shortness of breath — emergency evaluation is appropriate.
Why AFib Is a Big Deal
AFib increases the risk of stroke.
Because the atria are not squeezing effectively:
Blood can pool
Clots can form
A clot can travel to the brain
That’s why blood thinners are often prescribed.
Why Blood Thinners Matter
Blood thinners (anticoagulants):
Reduce clot formation
Significantly lower stroke risk
Are often lifelong therapy depending on risk factors
If a patient cannot tolerate blood thinners due to bleeding risk, anemia, or frequent falls, alternative strategies may be considered — including device-based options.
Medication adherence is critical.
Missing doses can rapidly increase stroke risk.
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): A More Dangerous Rhythm
While AFib starts in the upper chambers, Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) starts in the lower chambers.
VT is typically:
Faster
More unstable
Potentially life-threatening
Common causes include:
Prior heart attack
Scar tissue
Cardiomyopathy
Structural heart disease
Treatment options may include:
Medications
Ablation procedures
Implantable devices
Pacemakers vs. Defibrillators: What’s the Difference?
Many patients have questions about cardiac devices.
Pacemaker
Used when the heart beats too slowly.
Helps maintain a safe minimum heart rate
Improves symptoms like fatigue and dizziness
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)
Used when there is risk of life-threatening fast rhythms.
Detects dangerous rhythms
Delivers a shock if needed
Can save a life in seconds
Living With a Cardiac Device: Common Questions
Patients frequently ask:
Can I use kitchen appliances like microwaves?
Yes. Modern devices are shielded and safe around standard household appliances.
Can I exercise?
In most cases, yes — with physician guidance. Staying active is important.
Can I fly?
Yes. Travel is generally safe.
Can I get an MRI?
Many newer devices are MRI-compatible, but always confirm with your cardiologist.
Are there restrictions?
Avoid strong magnetic fields and always inform healthcare providers about your device.
Lifestyle Matters More Than You Think
While some rhythm disorders are not preventable, lifestyle still plays a powerful role.
Helpful modifications include:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Managing blood pressure
Limiting alcohol
Treating sleep apnea
Controlling diabetes
Staying physically active
Electrical problems are often influenced by metabolic and structural heart stress.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Seek urgent evaluation if you experience:
Fainting
Severe chest pain
Sustained racing heart
Shortness of breath at rest
Stroke-like symptoms
Early intervention changes outcomes.
Final Takeaway
The heart is more than a pump.
It’s an electrical system that must fire in perfect sequence thousands of times a day.
If you feel:
Irregular beats
Unexplained fatigue
Racing episodes
Or new shortness of breath
Don’t ignore it.
Rhythm disorders are common.
They are treatable.
And early diagnosis can prevent serious complications.
Learn More
Dr. Haider Al Taii practices with Aultman Deuble Heart & Vascular Hospital Cardiovascular Consultants.
To hear the full discussion, listen to this episode of Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy .
Thanks for listening today! We’d like to remind our listeners, if you suspect you have a medical issue, please contact your healthcare provider. Thanks to our sponsor Aultman Health System. As always, we thank our listeners for joining us on Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy. Have a healthy week and we’ll see you again next Friday right here on News Talk 1480 WHBC.
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