Heart arrhythmia

We perform the following arrhythmia diagnostic services:

• Cardiac electrophysiology
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Event monitoring
• Holter monitoring
• Stress and treadmill tests

The goal in treating heart arrhythmias is to reset your heart rhythm back to normal and prevent blood clots from developing. In most cases, the first course of action is medication to get your heart rate back to its normal rhythm.

Your doctor may also prescribe blood thinners to help prevent blood clots. When medication is not effective, treatment may be necessary.

Cardiac catheter ablation

During a cardiac catheter ablation, a special machine delivers energy through a catheter to mark a small area of the heart muscle that causes the abnormal heart rhythm. This allows your heart to return to its normal rhythm.

Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure

LAA closure is a minimally invasive procedure for atrial fibrillation (AFib). If you experience nonvalvular AFib, you may be eligible for a LAA closure device.

An LAA closure device can be especially helpful if you cannot tolerate warfarin (blood thinner) therapy. This alternative to warfarin can help reduce the risk of stroke and may allow you to stop taking blood thinners.

Pacemakers

When hearts have trouble beating regularly because of an interruption in the electric pathway, a pacemaker can be used to correct the problem. A pacemaker is a small device that sends electrical impulses to the heart muscle, causing it to contract at an appropriate rhythm.

The three types of pacemakers are:

• Bi-ventricular (BI-V) pacemakers — Works with both the left and right side of the heart to keep the ventricles pumping together; this is known as cardiac resynchronization therapy.
• Dual-chamber pacemakers — Energy is delivered to both ventricles to create a normal rhythm.
• Single-chamber pacemakers — Energy is delivered to the right ventricle to help it contract.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)

An ICD is a small electronic device used to monitor your heart rhythm. Once it is implanted into your chest, it can detect a fast or abnormal rhythm in the lower chamber of your heart and deliver energy to correct it.

Typically, an ICD is recommended if you have experienced:

• At least one prior heart attack
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Sudden cardiac arrest
• Ventricular fibrillation
• Ventricular tachycardia

There are three different types of ICDs:

• Bi-ventricular ICS attaches to three chambers in your heart
• Dual-chamber ICD attaches two chambers on the same side of the heart
• Single-chamber ICD attaches to your right ventricle

Implantable loop recorder (ILR)

An ILR is a small device used to record the electrical activity of your heart. An ILR can help identify the causes of fainting, recurring palpitations, lightheadedness or dizziness.

Once inserted, the device continuously records heart activity for up to two years. The monitor can easily be removed once your symptoms are recorded or the battery runs out.

For more information about treatment services at our Heart Rhythm Center, call (408) 879-5900.