Arrhythmia Care

 
The HeartCare Midwest team offers a number of innovative services to evaluate and correct the electrical function of the heart. Select any of the topics above to learn more.

View our video to learn more about Cardiac Arrhythmia Problems.

  Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
If you have been diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia–a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat–your doctor may recommend a procedure called catheter ablation to improve your condition.

 Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)
CRT (cardiac resynchronization therapy) involves the placement of a specialized pacemaker under the skin with three lead wires into the heart that causes both sides of a weakened heart to contract at the same time. This therapy helps to diminish the symptoms of heart failure. Sometimes the device includes the functions of an ICD (see below).
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 Ejection Fraction (EF)
Ejection fraction (EF) is a measurement of how much blood your heart pushes out when it beats. This measurement helps with the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure.
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 Electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG)
Used to measure the rate, rhythm, and type of heartbeat while lying still. Small patches (electrodes) are placed on the chest, legs and arms. Wires are connected to the patches and an electrical recording is taken.
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 Electrophysiologic Studies (EPS)
Used to check the electrical system of the heart to determine causes of abnormal heart rhythms. Special catheters (small tubes) are inserted through a vein in the groin and guided into the heart. The catheters contain wires used to record the heart's electrical activity and may be used to stimulate areas of the electrical system.
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 Holter Monitoring
The heart's electrical activity is recorded over a 24-hour period to measure the rate, rhythm and type of heartbeat. Patches (electrodes) are placed on the skin, and wires are connected to them. The wires connect to a small recorder carried over the shoulder or around the waist, and the patient is asked to keep a diary of activity and symptoms while wearing the monitor.
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 Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD)
A device consisting of a battery and leads is placed inside the chest to monitor the heart rhythm and treat serious abnormal rhythms. It may treat the abnormal rhythm in several different ways depending on how the cardiologist programs it. It may deliver electrical impulses to stimulate or pace the heart, or it may deliver a sudden burst of energy to shock the heart out of an abnormal rhythm.
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 Implantable Loop Recorder
A small device with a battery life of 18-24 months is placed under the skin below the collarbone to evaluate the heart's rhythm during symptoms. The patient is given an activator and instructed on use during symptoms. Once the Loop Recorder is activated the information can be retrieved utilizing a programmer in the office.
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 Lead Extraction
When an implanted cardiac device must be removed, caution must be exercised to extract the device and leads safely and effectively. 
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 Pacemaker
An implanted device used to stimulate the heartbeat preventing slow heart rhythms. It consists of a generator (battery) and leads (wires). The leads are placed inside the heart and connected to a generator placed under the skin in the upper chest.
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 Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops functioning. With no effective heartbeat, the brain and other vital organs are deprived of blood, leading to death within minutes. An estimated 250,000 to 450,000 Americans suffer cardiac arrest each year. Ninety-five percent die, often before receiving advanced medical attention.
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 Tilt Table Test
Used to help determine the reason for a patient passing out or nearly passing out. The patient lies down on a special table. The table is tilted to a standing position for up to a 20 minute interval while symptoms are checked. Heart rate and blood pressure are monitored throughout the procedure. The test may be repeated after an IV injection of a medication called Isuprel, which has an effect on the heart similar to that of exercise.
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