Electrophysiology

Electrophysiology is a sub-specialty of cardiology. Electrophysiologists are cardiologists who have specialized training, expertise and certification in treating cardiac arrhythmias. Arrhythmias are caused by abnormalities of the heart's electrical system. The heartbeat may be too slow or too fast; it may remain steady or become chaotic. Some arrhythmias are dangerous and may cause sudden cardiac death or syncope (passing out), while others may be bothersome but are not life threatening. The electrophysiologists at Cardiovascular Associates provide their expertise in identifying the cause of these arrhythmias and provide comprehensive state-of-the-art arrhythmia therapy. Treatment options are discussed factoring in the circumstances of each individual case. Your treatment options may include:

Lifestyle Changes
Since other heart disorders increase the risk of developing arrhythmias. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise may be recommended. In some instances, improving your overall health through simple lifestyle changes may lesson the symptoms of arrhythmias.

Medications
Medications can control abnormal heart rhythms. Medications may be recommended to reduce the risk of blood clots in patients with certain types of arrhythmias

Devices
By delivering an electrical stimulus to the heart, implantable pacemakers are used to treat slow heart rate problems called “bradycardia”. Pacemakers can improve symptoms of a slow heartbeat like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Alternatively, patients at high risk for sudden death may be candidates for implantable devices called cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). These devices shock the heart back to normal rhythm and they have been shown to improve longevity. Devices that offer cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are available for certain patients with congestive heart failure. These devices can improve symptoms and quality of life.

Cardiac Ablation
Ablation techniques have developed so that it is no longer necessary to open the chest. Now it is a less invasive procedure that involves inserting catheters into a blood vessel through the groin or neck with the assistance of X-Ray. We pinpoint the location and energy is used to destroy a small amount of tissue ending the disturbance and restoring a healthy heart rhythm. Cardiac ablation is being used to treat heart conditions like supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atrial flutter, some types of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and atrial fibrillation (Pulmonary Vein Isolation).

Download Patient Education Materials:
Cardiac Pacemaker
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Cardiac Ablation
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)