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Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia Awareness Saves Lives
For most Americans, an arrhythmia is merely a passing nuisance. But for some, arrhythmias can be life threatening, leading to nearly 400,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.
The good news is, when detected in time, arrhythmias can be effectively treated; therefore, awareness is key.
Electrophysiology
Normally, electricity flows throughout the heart in a regular, measured pattern. A problem anywhere along the electrical pathway causes an arrhythmia, or heart rhythm disturbance. An electrophysiology study (EPS), an invasive test of the electrical system of the heart, can help locate the specific areas heart tissue that gives rise to the abnormal electrical impulses that cause arrhythmias. During the study, the heart is paced in various ways to study the speed and location of the flow of electricity within the heart. In many cases, the study is an electrical test drive to see if the heart has the tendency to go into potentially dangerous rhythms that require treatment.
Therapies for various rhythm disorders
Medications, radiofrequency catheter ablation, permanent pacemaker implantation, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), ablation of atrial fibrillation, “mini-maze” minimally invasive surgical treatment, and bi-ventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator for treatment of heart failure.
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