Electrophysiology

Assessing irregular heartbeats

Electrophysiology is used to assess irregular heartbeats. The heart has a sophisticated electrical system that initiates and coordinates the heartbeats that move blood through the heart and to the body. The doctors at Adventist Health White Memorial are cardiologists who specialize in the electrical system of the heart.

When this system malfunctions, a person can experience arrhythmias. These arrhythmias can cause a wide range of symptoms including chest pain, dizziness and palpitations. The heart may feel like it is beating too fast, too slow or even skipping a beat. If an abnormal heartbeat is suspected, your doctor may recommend one or more tests to diagnose your symptoms.

These tests include:

• Electrophysiology studies (EPS)
• Cardiac ablation
• Cardioversion
• Automatic implantation cardioverter defibrillator (AICD)
• Pacemaker

Treatment options for patients include medication, catheter ablation and placement of a pacemaker or AICD. At Adventist Health White Memorial, state-of-the-art equipment is used to treat these problems, including the latest Stereotaxis Magnetic Navigation System, which enables physicians a very precise, computerized control of the working end of the catheter.

Catheter ablation provides an alternative for many patients with arrhythmias who would have faced surgery in the past. This amazing tool combining fluoroscopy, intracardiac ultrasound, 3D surface mapping and ablation allows the use of softer catheters that can be manipulated by large magnets outside the body.

The robotic catheter and heart mapping systems result in a safer ablation procedure and X-ray exposure. The advantages are additional safety and improved outcomes for patients.

For more information on these services, please call (888) 488-1288.