Electrophysiology
Arrhythmias happen when your heart’s electrical signals don’t work properly, causing problems with your heartbeat rate or rhythm.
Adventist Health’s electrophysiologists assess and repair arrhythmias, using advanced technology for an accurate diagnosis. As your partner in heart care, we work with you to find a solution that meets your health goals.
Expert care for arrhythmias
When you have an arrhythmia, your heart beats too quickly (tachycardia), too slowly (bradycardia) or with the wrong rhythm. One of the most common types of arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation, or AFib, which causes an irregular, rapid heartbeat.
Arrhythmia causes and symptoms
Disease, injuries or genetics can trigger an arrhythmia. You may not have symptoms at first, or you may feel your heart beating out of its regular rhythm. You might also feel faint, dizzy or short of breath.
Why arrhythmias require treatment
Arrhythmias mean your heart can’t pump blood efficiently from the heart to the rest of your body. The blood can pool and clot, blocking your arteries and preventing blood from flowing to organs such as your heart and brain. Untreated arrhythmias can cause serious problems, such as sudden cardiac arrest or stroke.
How we treat arrhythmias
Electrophysiologists specialize in diagnosing and repairing electrical issues in your heart that cause arrhythmias. Our team has experience assessing and treating all types of arrhythmias.
We use advanced cardiac imaging technology to make an accurate diagnosis and discuss your treatment options with you.
Our specialists perform both nonsurgical and surgical procedures, including minimally invasive methods when possible. We offer:
- Electrical cardioversion: Your doctor sends an electrical shock to your heart to restore normal rhythm.
- Radiofrequency or Cryoablation: We use thin wires to heat or freeze very specific spots inside your heart to sever the electrical pathways that cause irregular rhythm.
- Hybrid maze procedure: This two-stage procedure restores your heart’s rhythm. First, your surgeon forms a “maze” pattern of scar tissue on your heart to redirect the electrical signals that control your heartbeat. Then, a cardiac electrophysiologist performs catheter ablation to create more scar tissue inside of the heart. We also offer the traditional open-heart Cox maze procedure.
Let us be your partner in heart health
Learn more about our cardiology services, find a location near you or find a local doctor specializing in cardiology.
