Finding What Your Heart Needs With Electrophysiology
If your heartbeat feels irregular, an accurate diagnosis is the first step in your heart health journey. At the AdventHealth Cardiovascular Institute, our electrophysiologists specialize in the electrical system of the heart and atypical heart rhythms, including arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation.
We'll test your heart's electrical activity to diagnose the source of your irregular heartbeats and determine the best treatment. If your heartbeat is too slow (less than 60 beats per minute), too fast (more than 100 beats per minute), or irregular, we'll work to find the cause and design a personalized treatment plan just for you.
Treatments Designed to Correct the Rhythm of Your Heart
With your diagnosis confirmed, our team of experienced cardiac electrophysiologists will work closely with you to decide the appropriate course of treatment for your abnormal heart rhythm. Skilled in advanced cardiac procedures and the implantation of leading-edge devices, they’ll put their hearts into helping yours.
Better Outcomes Guided by Diagnostic Precision
An electrophysiologist is a highly trained cardiology specialist. Our electrophysiologists use physical evaluations and catheter-based procedures to pinpoint the location and cause of your heart rhythm disorder — uncovering vital information they use to determine how to treat your irregular heartbeat.
- Physical Exams
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A physical exam will allow your doctor to listen for heart murmurs or fluid in the lungs, feel your thyroid glands, check if your heart is enlarged or even test your reflexes. Each part of the exam will help your doctor discover the cause of your heart rhythm disorder.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
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An electrocardiogram reveals how well your heart chambers and valves are functioning, the places where blood flow is poor and where damage has already occurred. EKGs are noninvasive and painless — a doctor places sensors on your chest, arms and legs to detect the electrical activity of your heart.
- Holter Monitor
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A Holter monitor is a longer version of an EKG. It measures and records your heart’s activity continuously for 24 to 48 hours or longer, using a battery-operated portable device.
- Nuclear Imaging
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Nuclear images help diagnose poor blood flow and heart damage. A nuclear imaging stress test shows the blood flow to your heart while at rest and during activity, using radioactive dye and an imaging machine.
- Stress Test
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During a stress test, you’ll ride a stationary bike or walk on a treadmill while your heart rate is monitored. The test can show your doctor how well your heart works while you are exercising, and diagnose problems with your heart’s blood flow.
- Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)
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An alternate way to perform an EKG, a TEE uses ultrasound technology to produce high-quality, detailed pictures that show the arteries leading to and from your heart.
- Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
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A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is a test that uses ultrasound technology to capture images of the heart. In a TTE, soundwaves are sent from a wand-like device called a transducer into your chest. Echoes from the soundwaves are recorded back into the transducer and translated into images at a nearby monitor.
- Electrophysiology Studies (EPS)
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Electrophysiology studies, or EPS, are tests that help our doctors better understand abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and what's causing them, so that we can deliver accurate diagnoses.
Electrophysiologists Who Will Find the Answers
We know how frustrating irregular heart rhythms can be. Our experienced electrophysiologists will work to evaluate your symptoms and their causes, giving you answers and creating a treatment plan that helps your heart beat strong again.
Answering Electrophysiology Questions
The more you know about your heart health, the more empowered you’ll be as you and your family journey toward wholeness. We’re here to answer these frequently asked questions about electrophysiology, and your care team will be happy to answer any questions you have throughout your treatment.
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Q:Question: What is an electrophysiology study, and how is it different from a regular heart test?
A:Answer:An electrophysiology (EP) study is a minimally invasive procedure that examines the electrical activity of your heart to pinpoint where abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, originate and to determine how to treat them safely.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerUnlike regular heart tests, like an electrocardiogram (ECG), that are passive and noninvasive, EP studies are a minimally invasive procedure where your doctor inserts a thin and flexible catheter into your groin or arm to reach the heart. The catheter has electrodes attached, which record the heart’s electrical activity and send mild electrical signals to safely trigger the abnormal rhythm for your doctor to examine.
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Q:Question: How do I know if I need an EP study, catheter ablation, a pacemaker or an ICD?
A:Answer:Your cardiologist decides which treatment or procedure you need. An EP study, catheter ablation, pacemaker and ICD all have different functions and are necessary for patients who meet certain criteria.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerEP Study
An EP study is a diagnostic procedure that examines the heart's electrical activity and pinpoints the origin of abnormal heart rhythms. These tests are required for patients who received inconclusive results from noninvasive heart tests but still experience symptoms such as unexplained dizziness, fatigue or palpitations.
Catheter Ablation
A catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to cure an abnormal heartbeat. An EP study is required before having this procedure. Your doctor inserts a small catheter into a blood vessel to locate the arrhythmia, and then generates energy to destroy (ablate) the problematic tissue, creating scar tissue to block the abnormal electrical pathways from firing.
Pacemaker
A pacemaker is used for patients with an irregular or abnormally low heartbeat. This implantable device is placed near the heart and sends electrical signals that prompt your heart to beat at a normal rhythm.
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are implantable devices used for patients at high risk for cardiac death or who have a dangerously fast rhythm. This device constantly monitors your heart's electrical activity and sends a shock to reset the rhythm if a life-threatening event is detected.
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Q:Question: What should I expect during and after an electrophysiology study or ablation?
A:Answer:To begin your electrophysiology (EP) study, your doctor will hook you up to an electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor your heart throughout the procedure. You’ll be given an IV with a sedative to help you relax, but you’ll remain awake during the procedure. After you’ve been given local anesthesia, your doctor will insert the catheter into the blood vessel and navigate to the right side of your heart. Once there, your doctor will map your heart's electrical activity and may send signals to detect abnormalities. Your doctor may perform an ablation to destroy (ablate) the abnormal tissue.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerOnce the EP study is completed, your provider will remove the catheter and place sutures to close up the incision site. You’ll then be taken to a recovery room for observation, where you’ll be required to lie flat for several hours to prevent internal bleeding. Bed rest may last between two and six hours. Once this time has passed, your healthcare team will check your vitals while you lie, sit and stand. Most patients can return home the same day and are given pain medication for discomfort. You’ll receive preliminary results immediately after your EP study, but a comprehensive overview will be provided at your follow-up appointment a week or two after the procedure.
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Q:Question: How successful is catheter ablation, and can arrhythmias come back afterward?
A:Answer:Catheter ablation is highly successful at eliminating or reducing arrhythmias in 70 to 85% of patients. However, arrhythmias may return, with 20 to 40% of patients experiencing a recurrence, largely due to healing of the heart tissue or missed abnormal pathways.
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Q:Question: What should I avoid or know about daily life if I have a pacemaker or ICD?
A:Answer:When living with a pacemaker, you can generally return to your everyday life. However, there are some things you should avoid or remain mindful of.
- Be careful using phones or other electronic devices. Keep them at least 6 inches away from your chest.
- Don’t get an MRI unless your doctor says it’s safe to do so. Most newer models are safe to receive an MRI, but some older models aren’t.
- Don’t use heat during physical therapy.
- Remain physically active if your doctor instructs you to, but don’t overdo it.
- Stay away from magnets and strong electrical fields.
- Tell your doctor, dentist, nurses, medical technicians and airport security that you have a pacemaker.
- Turn off large motors on cars or boats when working on them to remove the risk of electromagnetic interference.
Find Electrophysiology Care Near You
We know the urgency you feel when faced with a cardiac concern, such as a heart rhythm disorder. Our experienced electrophysiologists within the AdventHealth Cardiovascular Institute network are ready to find answers for your abnormal heart rhythm and deliver the most accurate and effective care — all coordinated through a trusted national network. Explore our locations or let our team guide you to the one that’s right for you.