Electrophysiology/Heart Rhythm Management
A full range of services and treatment options is available for the diagnoses and treatment of heart rhythm problems (also known as arrhythmias.) Patients with congenital and acquired heart rhythm problems are served. Our electrophysiologists see patients ranging in age from newborns to those in their 90s. Currently, about 1,800 procedures are conducted annually, making our electrophysiology program one of the largest and deepest in the U.S.
Electrophysiology is the branch of cardiology that deals with the electrical impulses, or the rhythms of your heart. If you have an abnormal heart rhythm (an arrhythmia), your heart rate is abnormally fast, slow or even irregular. “Normal” heart rates differ dependent upon your age, activity level, medications you may be taking, as well as any preexisting heart conditions that you may have.
There are a variety of symptoms that may be caused by arrhythmias ranging from a simple awareness of your heart beating, to lightheadedness, blurred vision, or cardiac arrest. Other symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and fainting. The symptoms that occur depend on your heart rate during the arrhythmia, your activity at the time of the arrhythmia, and the possibility of structural heart problems. Your physician will discuss your symptoms with you extensively. Testing and treatment will be determined based on your doctor’s assessment of your symptoms.
There are many types of arrhythmias and their significance and treatment depends on the exact type. To better understand the different types of arrhythmias, it would be helpful to first understand how the heart works and the heart's normal electrical system.
The electrophysiology laboratory at the Minneapolis Heart Institute® and Abbott Northwestern Hospital offers a variety of leading treatment options. Please click on a link below for more information on these EP procedures.
Choose a link below for more information about EP trials in progress at the Minneapolis Heart Institute® and Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation.
Electrophysiology Research
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