ARRHYTHMIAS

It can be upsetting to learn that you have an irregular heartbeat, also known as an arrhythmia. If your arrhythmia is mild, it may not require treatment or cause problems. Sometimes, however, an arrhythmia can interfere with your ability to enjoy life. Symptoms may include weakness, fainting, palpitations and low blood pressure. If you need to be evaluated for arrhythmia, South Miami Heart Center is the right place to be. Our Center for Cardiac Electrophysiology specialists use the latest methods to evaluate and treat heart rhythm problems. Our cardiac electrophysiologists and specially trained staff provide diagnostic tests, including EKG, complete electrophysiology studies and other monitoring methods. In the case of devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators, electrophysiologists use real-time, three-dimensional images of the heart to look inside the heart chambers. In this way, they can determine if the device is functioning effectively or if adjustments are needed.

SYMPTOMS

DIAGNOSIS

PACEMAKER IMPLANT

SYMPTOMS

Pain areas: in the chest

Whole body: dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness

Heart: sensation of an abnormal heartbeat or slow heart rate

Also common: shortness of breath

DIAGNOSIS

In addition to listening to your heartbeat, other tests are commonly performed, such as an electrocardiogram and heart rhythm studies via temporary catheters placed inside the heart.

PACEMAKER IMPLANT

The primary purpose of a pacemaker is to maintain an adequate heart rate, either because the heart’s natural pacemaker is not fast enough, or because there is a block in the heart’s electrical conduction system. Modern pacemakers are externally programmable and allow a cardiologist to select the optimum pacing modes for individual patients. Some combine a pacemaker and defibrillator in a single implantable device. Others have multiple electrodes stimulating differing positions within the heart to improve synchronization of the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart.