Electrophysiology
Electrophysiology
Electrophysiology is the medical specialty focused on the heart’s rhythms. An electrophysiologist is a cardiologist who specializes in the electrical system of the heart. These heart specialists diagnose and treat irregular heart rhythms, called arrhythmias, and cardiac rhythm disorders.
When a person experiences a heart arrhythmia, it may feel like the heart is fluttering or racing. In general, heart arrhythmias are grouped according to the speed of the heart rate. When the heartrate is too fast, at more than 100 beats per minute, the condition is called tachycardia. When the heartrate is too, beating less than the normal 60-100 beats per minute, the condition is called bradycardia.
Symptoms of arrhythmia - if you experience these symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment for an examination and testing:
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- A sensation that the heart is fluttering
- A racing heartbeat
- A slow heartbeat
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- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Anxiety
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- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
- Sweating
Your Cardiology Appointment
When you meet with your Augusta Health cardiologist, you will have an opportunity to talk about your health history and the symptoms you are experiencing. Your cardiologist will most likely perform an examination to understand more about your heart health. After all information is gathered, your cardiologist will be prepared to talk with you about your diagnosis and discuss the available treatment options. If appropriate, your cardiologist will also talk with you about measures you can take to prevent heart problems in the future. Come prepared with questions and concerns; you can discuss all of them with your cardiologist before making a decision about treatment.
Treatment for Heart Arrhythmia
Our cardiologists specialize in a number of treatment options for heart arrhythmia, including:
- Ablation
- Arrhythmia therapy
- Cardia resynchronization therapy
- Defibrillator
- Device interrogation
- Implantable heart monitor
- Pacemaker