Feel the Rhythm of Life With Every Heartbeat
Heart rhythm disorders come on suddenly — and need to be treated just as quickly. But when you’re struggling to manage a new condition, you can lean on our team at AdventHealth Cardiovascular Institute.
We specialize in treating heart rhythm disorders, such as arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation (AFib), using advanced technology.
Rest assured, your heart is our top priority. We'll support you at every stage toward improved heart health.
Leading the Way in Patient-Centered Care
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Innovative Research and Technology
We perform complex surgeries without radiation, using advanced procedures like ablation therapy with 3D mapping.
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Pioneering Minimally Invasive Surgeries
You’ll experience less scarring and lowered risk of medical complications with technology like the Medtronic Micra™ Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS), a tiny leadless pacemaker that’s less invasive than traditional implants.
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National Leader in Cardiovascular Care
Your heart is in great hands here. Our locations have received national recognition for excellence in cardiac care and coronary intervention.
Types of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
A normal adult resting heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute. In AFib, it can reach 175 beats per minute.
AFib commonly affects adults aged 30 to 60 and occurs when the heart’s upper chambers receive irregular electrical signals. The heart’s rhythm becomes rapid and erratic.
AFib is a prevalent heart rhythm disorder, usually classified into three categories. Our experienced cardiologists treat all types of AFib to restore your heart’s rhythm.
- Occasional AFib
- Permanent AFib
- Persistent AFib
Innovative Treatments That Deliver Complete Care
The sooner you identify a heart rhythm disorder, the better your outcome may be. If you have any of the warning signs of AFib, it’s very important to make an appointment with your doctor to review your medical and family history. They’ll also perform a physical exam and an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to test for AFib or another type of arrhythmia. From there, they’ll determine your best course of treatment.
- Ablation Procedures
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Medical therapy isn’t always effective for every patient with AFib. In this case, your doctor may recommend cardiac ablation. This non-surgical, wire-based procedure uses energy to eliminate the tissue that’s triggering your AFib.
An ablation procedure uses radiofrequency or a laser to destroy the abnormal cells so your heart will beat normally. There are several types of ablation techniques, including a new technology called stereotaxis robotic ablation therapy, which is less invasive and uses softer, gentler catheters to resolve your AFib.
- Maze Procedures
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Designed to disrupt the erratic impulse triggers and circuits that cause AFib, Maze procedures create carefully placed scar tissue lesions within the atria to stop faulty electrical impulses from traveling.This creates only one path the electrical impulse can take, which prevents the atrium from fibrillating. The variations of the Maze procedure range from most to least invasive: the Cox-Maze procedure, Modified-Maze procedure and Mini-Maze procedure.
- Medications
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If you’re dealing with a mild case of atrial fibrillation, or if surgery or other treatments are not an option, your doctor may recommend medications including:
- Anti-arrhythmic medications to maintain normal heart rhythm
- Anticoagulants to thin the blood and prevent blood clots
- Beta-blockers to slow the heart rate
- Calcium channel blockers to slow the heart rate
- Digoxin to slow the heart rate
If medication therapy is recommended for you, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to you. Our specialists will help you understand your medication and any potential side effects.
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 crafting a treatment plan that helps your heart beat strong again.
Access Advanced Technology for Your Heart
Peace of mind begins with expert heart care. Our cardiologists heal your heart with advanced treatments and technology, helping you return to your favorite activities.
- Stereotaxis Niobe® Robotic Magnetic Navigation System
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Stereotaxis is a global leader in robotic technologies that enhance arrhythmia treatment and endovascular procedures.
The Stereotaxis Niobe system has two robot-controlled magnets by the operating table. Physicians use a computer to adjust the magnetic field, precisely steering a catheter with a magnetized tip.
*This specialty care is currently available in Florida only (Orlando, Daytona Beach, Tampa Bay).
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)*
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For severe aortic stenosis, TAVR is a safer alternative to open-heart surgery when surgery is not an option.
Across the country, AdventHealth surgeons and cardiologists have extensive experience performing this less-invasive option, which is done through a small incision in the leg.
With advanced procedures like TAVR, we’re elevating our heart care and improving clinical outcomes, leading to fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and faster recoveries for our patients.
*This specialty care is currently available in Florida only (Orlando, Daytona Beach, Tampa Bay).
- WATCHMAN FLEX™
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The WATCHMAN FLX is a small device that’s implanted in the left atrial appendage (a small pouch in the top left heart chamber), closing off a part of the heart where blood clots most commonly form.
Implanting the FLX is a one-time, minimally invasive procedure that helps prevent blood clots and lowers stroke risk. It takes about an hour, with most patients leaving the hospital the next day.
If you have an irregular heartbeat and are unable to take blood thinners, the FLX may be an option for you.
- Micra™ Pacemaker
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About the size of a vitamin capsule, Micra is the world’s smallest pacemaker, designed for patients with a slow heart rate. Unlike most pacemakers, Micra is leadless and implanted directly into the heart — all in a single minimally invasive procedure with no chest incision required.
Because Micra is self-contained within the heart, it eliminates potential medical complications associated with a chest incision and the wires of conventional pacemakers. By using Micra, we’re able to help our patients get back to their regular activities without restrictions.
- Philips Azurion Image-Guided Therapy
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In the operating room, advanced technologies mean smarter, safer and more efficient procedures. The Azurion image-guided therapy platform from Philips is one of the next-generation technologies we use in cardiovascular procedures.
The Azurion system offers superior imaging and precision. Controls are bedside, so your doctor can stay with you to monitor measurements. With Azurion, our experts treat complex issues more effectively.
*This specialty care is currently available in Florida only (Orlando, Daytona Beach, Tampa Bay).
Support Groups and Rehab Programs With Heart
After a heart procedure, you can use support as you adjust to treatment and recovery. From connecting you with others through our cardiac support groups to helping you through our rehab programs, we’re here for you at every step.
Answering Your Heart Rhythm Disorder 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 heart rhythm disorders, and your care team will be happy to answer any questions you have throughout your treatment.
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Q:Question: When should heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat be evaluated right away?
A:Answer:Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat should be evaluated right away if they’re accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Episodes that last more than 15 minutes
- Excessive sweating
- Feeling faint or actually fainting
- Nausea
- Other symptoms of a heart attack
- Severe shortness of breath
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Q:Question: What are the differences between medication, cardioversion, catheter ablation and pacemakers for treating arrhythmias?
A:Answer:The main differences between medication, cardioversion, catheter ablation and pacemakers for treating arrhythmias are their approaches.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerMedication
Medication is the first-line option to manage symptoms, using drugs like beta-blockers and antiarrhythmics to regulate the heart’s electrical and chemical properties by altering nerve impulses, preventing irregular rhythms.
Cardioversion
Cardioversion uses a precisely controlled electrical shock to reset the heart’s rhythm. It quickly restores normal rhythm but doesn’t prevent arrhythmias from returning.
Catheter Ablation
Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure to cure arrhythmias. A catheter is inserted to find and destroy abnormal tissue, creating a scar that blocks faulty electrical signals.
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. This device sits under the chest near the collarbone and has wires attached to the heart. It monitors your heart’s rhythm and emits small electrical impulses to force the heart to beat when an abnormal rhythm is detected.
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Q:Question: What is atrial fibrillation?
A:Answer:AFib usually affects people between the ages of 30 and 60 and happens when the heart’s upper chambers receive abnormal electrical signals. The heart’s entire rhythm suffers, beating too fast and irregularly.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerIn adults, a normal resting heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute, but during AFib, it can reach 175 beats per minute.
And because blood is not being carried through the heart valves correctly, it can collect and form clots in the heart, which could travel to the brain, blocking blood flow and causing a stroke.
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Q:Question: What causes atrial fibrillation?
A:Answer:For most people, AFib is tied to heart disease or a heart abnormality. But when there’s no underlying heart disease, the root cause can sometimes be unknown.
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Q:Question: What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?
A:Answer:Symptoms of AFib can be different for everyone. Some people have no symptoms, and their AFib is only discovered during a routine exam. Others may feel some of the following symptoms:
- A skipped or racing heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fatigue or weakness
- Shortness of breath
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Q:Question: Can a heart rhythm disorder increase my risk of stroke, heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest?
A:Answer:Yes, a heart rhythm disorder can increase your risk of stroke, heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest. This highlights the importance of regular cardiac screenings. Once you’ve been diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder, your care team will closely monitor your heart and provide any medications or lifestyle changes that are appropriate to prevent stroke, heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest.
Find Electrophysiology Care Near You
We understand the urgency you feel when faced with 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.