Frequently Asked Questions Heart Rhythm Center
- What is Electrophysiology?
- Electrophysiology is a subspecialty of cardiology. The focus of electrophysiology is to diagnose and treat disorders of the heart rate and rhythm (the heart’s electrical system). The electrophysiologist team at the Heart Rhythm Center utilizes state-of-the-art technology to treat all forms of abnormal heart rhythms, otherwise known as arrhythmias.
- What Is Cardiac Arrhythmia?
- Cardiac arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat that affects millions of Americans each year. During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm that negatively affects blood flow in the body. The Heart Rhythm Center offers exemplary patient care and treatment techniques to best diagnose, manage and treat cardiac arrhythmias.
- What Are Common Symptoms?
- An arrhythmia can be silent and not cause any symptoms. A physician can detect an irregular heartbeat during a physical exam by taking your pulse or through an electrocardiogram (ECG). When symptoms occur, they may include palpitations (a feeling of skipped heart beats, fluttering or “flip flops”), pounding in the chest, dizziness or feeling light-headed, fainting, shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fatigue.
- How Is an Arrhythmia Diagnosed?
- Through the Heart Rhythm Center, there are a number of available tests and procedures for the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias including one or more of the following: Electrocardiogram, Holter monitor, event monitor, stress test, echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology study (EPS) and/or a head-up tilt table test.
- What Are the Treatment Options?
- Depending on the type and severity of your arrhythmia and the results of various tests, there are several treatment options. Your Heart Rhythm Center physician will work with you to decide which one is best for your unique situation. Our treatment options range from drug therapy to implantable devices, radiofrequency ablation, and open heart surgery.
- What Type of Technology Is Available?
- The Heart Rhythm Center provides patients access to the world’s leading cardiovascular and electrophysiology treatment options through minimally invasive robotics, leading edge mapping systems and imaging techniques.
- How Do I Learn More?
- Please call 448.227.6500 to learn about our physicians, services and appointment availability.