In a normal, healthy heart, electrical impulses allow the heart to beat in a regular pattern. Sometimes, though, the heart can beat too rapidly or too slowly. These irregular heartbeats can result from problems with the heart's electrical system and need to be corrected.
Resulting symptoms include:
- Palpitations
- Skipped heartbeats
- Very fast heart rates
- Dizziness
- Fainting
Irregular heartbeats (also known as heart rhythm problems) can increase a person's risk of stroke, heart failure and premature death. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available at Bronson.
Services
An electrophysiology (EP) study is a special type of heart catheterization that studies heart's electrical system. All EP studies are performed in Bronson's state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories (cath labs).
Options for treating irregular heartbeat include:
- Catheter Ablation - During this minimally-invasive procedure, a doctor inserts a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) into the heart. A special machine delivers energy through the catheter to tiny areas of the heart muscle that cause the abnormal heart rhythm. This energy stops the pathway of the irregular heart rhythm.
- Implanted Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) - an implanted defibrillator is a small automatic device that detects and treats fast heart beats.
- Bi-ventricular Pacemakers - This is a pacemaker that is used to treat some patients with heart failure. This specially designed pacemaker stimulates the lower chambers of the heart to contract at the same time, which is more effective and efficient. This procedure can improve activity tolerance and quality of life.
- Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI) - This is the most advanced treatment available for patients with atrial fibrillation. In this procedure, radiofrequency energy is delivered to the heart in the area of the pulmonary veins. Atrial fibrillation patients who have not had success with other treatment options, such as anti-arrhythmic drugs or cardioversion, may have significantly improved quality of life with PVI.
- Heart Failure and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) - This is a treatment for patients with heart failure. CRT reduces symptoms of heart failure and improves heart function.
A physician referral and appointment are required for cardiac catheterization services.
Technology
All EP studies take place in Bronson's state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories (cath labs). Our cath labs have the latest equipment for diagnosing and treating a variety of heart conditions.
Causes of Irregular Heartbeat
Some of the most common causes of irregular heartbeat include:
- Exercise
- Anxiety, stress, fear
- Fever
- Caffeine, nicotine, diet pills
- Overactive thyroid
- Anemia
- Hyperventilation
- Low levels of oxygen in your blood
- Medications such as thyroid pills, asthma drugs, beta blockers, or anti-arrhythmics. (Medications to treat an irregular heart rhythm will sometimes cause a different irregular rhythm).
- Mitral valve prolapse - a condition in which the valve that separates the left upper chamber (atrium) from the left lower chamber (ventricle) of the heart does not close properly
- Heart disease
What to Expect
Before Your Procedure
- Eat a normal meal the evening before your procedure. Do not eat, drink or chew anything after midnight the night before your procedure, including gum or water. If you take medications, take them with only a small sip of water.
- Remove all makeup and nail polish before coming to the hospital. Wear comfortable clothes and leave all jewelry and other valuables at home.
- Be sure to bring your prescription medications with you in the original containers from the pharmacy, but do not take unless instructed otherwise.
- Some patients go home the same day and others stay overnight in the hospital after the procedure.
After Your Procedure
- These procedures take place in a cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab).
- After the procedure, you may feel fatigue or chest discomfort for up to 48 hours. Please tell your doctor or nurse if these symptoms are severe or long-lasting. You may also have a short episode of irregular heartbeats after the procedure or skipped heartbeats. These symptoms will subside after you heal.
- Your doctor will discuss the results of the procedure with you. You will also receive special instructions on how to care for yourself after the procedure, including taking medications, wound care, activity restrictions, pacemaker care and maintenance and follow-up care.
- You will not be able to drive yourself home from the hospital. Please make sure you have a responsible adult available to drive you home.
Prevention
The best way to prevent irregular heartbeats is to reduce stress and risk factors for heart disease. These include:
- Don't smoke
- Eat a well-balanced, low-fat diet
- Exercise regularly
- Try stress management techniques such as yoga or tai chi
- Make sure that your blood pressure and cholesterol are under control
Our Team
Doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm problems are called electrophysiologists. The following physicians are board certified in electrophysiology and practice at Bronson:
- Joel Reinoehl, MD, with Advanced Cardiac Healthcare, PLC
- Francis Grubelich, MD, with Electrophysiologic Cardiac Services
- Glen Kabell, MD, with Heart Center for Excellence, P.C.
- Xiaoke Liu, MD, with Heart Center for Excellence, P.C.
Related Websites
For more information about electrophysiology or irregular heartbeats, visit:
American Heart Association
Heart Rhythm Society
HeartLibrary.com
For more information about electrophysiology devices used at Bronson, visit:
St. Jude Medical
Medtronic
