Electrophysiology Lab
Your heart has the amazing capability of beating 60-100 times a minute for your entire life. In the majority of people, the heart rhythm stays regular. However, in some people, the heartbeat may become irregular and beat too fast or too slow.
Everyone has an irregular heart beat occasionally. There are some people who have these episodes frequently and may have symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fainting and more. Fortunately these rhythms can be identified and the necessary treatment given.
Jewish Heart Care’s Electrophysiology (EP) Lab focuses specifically on just that – diagnosing types of arrhythmias and irregular heart rhythms through electrophysiology studies.
An electrophysiology study examines the conduction or electrical system of the heart and is done to:
- Discover the cause of some symptoms such as lightheadedness or fainting
- Identify those people who are at risk for developing an arrhythmia
- Determine if medical treatment is effective
- Establish if a pacemaker or other device is needed
An abnormal heart rhythm that occurs in the top two chambers of the heart (atria) is called an atrial arrhythmia. A ventricular arrhythmia occurs when the abnormal heart rhythm begins in the lower two chambers of the heart or the ventricles. The EP study will detect which type of arrhythmia may be occurring within your body.
After the study is complete, your physician will review your results with you and discuss the treatment options best for you. The test may be normal or further treatment may be required, including medications, a pacemaker or an automatic implantable defibrillator.
Whatever the outcome of your procedure, Jewish Heart Care is ready to help you map out an aggressive plan of treatment that will improve your quality of life and get you on the road to recovery.
To schedule an electrophysiology study, or for more information on the study, please contact Jewish Hospital .