Cardiac electrophysiology involves the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the heart rhythm (arrhythmias) and associated symptoms. Symptoms of heart rhythm disorders may include:
- Palpitations, or the sensation that the heart is pounding too rapidly or irregularly
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- An abnormal heart rhythm detected by the doctor
- An incident requiring resuscitation by an emergency medical response team
The most common type of arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation. This rhythm is a chaotic jumble of electrical activity in the upper chambers of the heart that can lead to symptoms as simple as a sensation of fluttering in the chest or as severe as a debilitating stroke.
The electrophysiology team is made up of a group of highly skilled physicians and nurse practitioners with extensive and broad experience in the management of heart rhythm disorders. Our approach to patient care involves individual attention to the specific complaints and management requirements of each patient. Consultations in an office setting allow for comprehensive discussions about symptoms, diagnostic tests, and management, whether that involves medication, catheter ablation, or the use of a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.
Testing Methods for Evaluation
The physician may prescribe testing methods for evaluation, which may include:
- A noninvasive monitor the patient wears to record each heartbeat for a day or up to a month
- An implantable monitor
- Basic or complex electrocardiograms, with or without an exercise stress test.
- Invasive electrophysiologic testing, in which catheters are inserted into the blood vessels and advanced to the heart to record electrical impulses that cause heart rhythm problems from inside the heart.
- A tilt table test, during which the patient stands supported for half an hour to evaluate the autonomic nervous system.
Treatment
Based on all of the information gathered on these types of tests, the patient may be treated with:
- Medication to control the heart rhythm
- Catheter ablation in an attempt to completely eliminate (i.e., cure) the heart rhythm disorder
- Implantation of a pacemaker or a defibrillator
At times, implanted pacemakers or defibrillators fail or become infected. Drexel Cardiology's electrophysiology arrhythmia team has vast experience in techniques of safely removing leads (implanted wires) from these devices through the blood vessels, without the need for open chest surgery. A multidisciplinary approach, including heart surgeons, infectious disease specialists, and our highly skilled heart rhythm specialists, has made the Drexel program in pacemaker and defibrillator lead extraction and management one of the top programs in the world for these techniques.
The arrhythmia management team can provide direction about lifestyle changes that may reduce your likelihood of developing severe heart rhythm disorders. A support group assists those who have received implantable defibrillators. The nurse practitioners assist with medication prescriptions and with understanding your test results.
Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialists
John M. Fontaine, M.D.
S. Luke Kusmirek, M.D.
Steven P. Kutalek, M.D.
Christina Wjasow
Related Treatments
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
The information on these pages is provided for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a physician or healthcare professional. If you have specific questions or concerns about your health, you should consult your healthcare provider.
To make an appointment, call 215-561-HEART (4327).
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