Heart Rhythm Disorders
Electrophysiology is the study and treatment of the heart's electrical system. The cardiac electrophysiology team at Merit Health Heart is trained to test for heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) of all types. The team of nurses and nurse practitioners provide evaluation and treatment using advanced healthcare technology and techniques which include medication therapy, catheter-based procedures and surgery.
Meet The Specialist
What is Arrhythmia?
A heart rhythm disorder, or arrhythmia, is characterized by an abnormal heart beat - too fast, too slow or uneven. While many arrhythmias don't pose a serious health threat, others do require treatment. When treatment is needed, the team at Merit Health Heart has the training and experience to help.
Merit Health Heart utilizes technology to measure the heart's electrical activity and identify damage to the heart. The team may use tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), electrophysiology studies or a Holter monitor, which records a heart's electrical activity over a period of time. This initial step may lead to a diagnosis and treatment plan, which can be customized for a patent's particular arrhythmia and treatment needs.
Your Treatment Options
Depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia, you may have a range of treatment options from which to choose. We provide arrhythmia treatment from lifestyle-modification assistance to surgical treatment. Our services include:
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Lifestyle modification and medical management - Stress, caffeine, alcohol or other substances can contribute to heart rhythm disorders. The team provides education and resources to help you adopt healthier lifestyle habits to improve the arrhythmia. If lifestyle changes are not enough to bring about a change, then the team may develop a treatment plan using medications.
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Cardioversion - Fast arrhythmias are sometimes treated with an electrical shock to the heart, utilizing an ECG monitor and a defibrillator.
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Catheter ablation – A catheter can be fitted with a tiny electrode, which is introduced to the heart via a blood vessel in the leg; the catheter burns and eliminates the abnormal heart cells causing the arrhythmia.
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Implantable devices - Placed just under the skin, small devices are used to send electrical signals to the heart to regulate heartbeat. A pacemaker may be used to regulate a slow heartbeat, and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be used to regulate a fast heartbeat (defibrillation).
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Surgical ablation – When other treatment options are insufficient, arrhythmia specialists may perform surgery to remove the tissue that is causing the arrhythmia.
How Do I Know If I Have an Arrhythmia?
Only a physician can diagnose a heart rhythm disorder. However, general causes and risk factors may include:
- Having had a heart attack
- Scarring of the heart from a prior heart attack
- Changes to the heart's structure
- Blocked arteries
- High blood pressure
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Smoking
- Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine
- Drug abuse
- Stress
- Certain medications or over-the-counter supplements
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Genetics