Heart Rhythm Disorders - Electrophysiology

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A heart rhythm disorder, known as an arrhythmia, is characterized by abnormal heart beat - too fast, too slow or uneven. Many arrhythmias don't pose a serious health danger, but for patients who require treatment, ShorePoint Health Venice's arrhythmia specialists have the training and experience to provide advanced care.

Our arrhythmia specialists utilize advanced technology to measure the heart's electrical activity and identify damage to the heart. Doctors use tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), a Holter monitor and electrophysiology studies (EPS) to diagnose arrhythmias.

Depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia, there is a range of treatment options. We provide arrhythmia treatment from lifestyle-modification assistance to complex surgical treatment. Our services include:

• Lifestyle modification and medical management - Stress, caffeine, alcohol or other substances can contribute to arrhythmias. ShorePoint Health Venice provides education and resources to help you adopt healthier lifestyle habits to eliminate arrhythmias. When lifestyle changes are insufficient, arrhythmia specialists can develop a treatment plan using medications.
• Cardioversion - Fast arrhythmias are treated by delivering an electrical shock to the heart, utilizing an ECG monitor and a defibrillator.
• Ablation for atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter – Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) and involves the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart. During ablation, thin, flexible tubes are introduced through a blood vessel and directed to the heart muscle. A burst of electrical energy is administered to destroy tissue that triggers abnormal electrical signals or to block abnormal electrical pathways.
  • Radiofrequency ablation - This procedure treats rapid or irregular heartbeats. It involves using mild, painless radiofrequency energy to destroy cells in the heart that are creating the extra impulses causing the irregular rhythms.
  • Surgical ablation (maze procedure) – When other treatment options are insufficient, arrhythmia specialists can perform surgery to remove the tissue that is causing the arrhythmia.
• Implantable devices - Placed just under the skin, small devices are used to send electrical signals to the heart to regulate heartbeat. Some implantable devices are:
  • Pacemakers - A pacemaker is a device that sends small electrical impulses to the heart muscle to maintain a suitable heart rate or to stimulate the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). A pacemaker may also be used to treat fainting spells (syncope), congestive heart failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The types of pacemakers are single chamber, dual chamber and biventricular. Doctors decide what type of pacemaker is needed based on the patient's heart condition. Doctors also determine the minimum rate (lowest heart rate) at which to set pacemakers. When a patient's heart rate drops below the set rate, the pacemaker generates (fires) an impulse that passes through the lead to the heart muscle. This causes the heart muscle to contract, creating a heartbeat.
  • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) - An ICD is a small battery-powered electrical impulse generator which is implanted in patients who are at risk of sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation. The device is programmed to detect cardiac arrhythmia and correct it by delivering a jolt of electricity.
• Left atrial appendage occlusion – LAA occlusion uses a permanent heart implant device designed for patients with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem (also known as non-valvular atrial fibrillation). Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, affects the heart’s ability to pump blood normally. This can cause blood to pool in an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage, or LAA. There, blood cells can stick together and form a clot. When a blood clot escapes from the LAA and travels to another part of the body, it can cut off the blood supply to the brain, causing a stroke.
  The implant fits into the LAA. It’s designed to permanently close off the appendage. This will keep blood from flowing into the appendage and prevent blood clots from developing in this area. The implant is about the size of a quarter and is made from very light and compact materials commonly used in many other medical implants. It is implanted into the heart in a one-time procedure. It’s a permanent device that doesn’t have to be replaced and can’t be seen outside the body.
  Learn more about left atrial appendage occlusion here.

Electrophysiology (EP) Lab
ShorePoint Health Venice's electrophysiology lab offers a way of treating and diagnosing irregular heartbeats by placing catheters in the chamber of the heart to measure electrical activity. This allows for an accurate diagnosis, which is then treated with radio frequency. The EP lab's goal is to improve the quality of life in our community by decreasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, the use of medication and providing the community with quick and easy access to an EP lab with award winning care.

Our specialty arrhythmia program features electrophysiology capabilities for evaluating the heart’s electrical system. When a condition calls for intervention, cardiologists may offer minimally invasive techniques in the cath lab, including the placement of loop recorders, pacemakers, implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac ablation.

To find a heart care physician at ShorePoint Health Venice, call our physician referral line at (855) 876-2362 or view our physician directory.

Take a heart risk assessment to find out your heart's relative age and to learn more about your personal risk factors.