Heart Rhythm Disorders
A heart rhythm disorder, known as an arrhythmia, is characterized by abnormal heart beat - too fast, too slow or uneven. Many arrhythmias don't pose a serious health danger, but for patients who require treatment, Bayfront Health Port Charlotte's arrhythmia specialists have provide advanced care.
Our arrhythmia specialists utilize technology to measure the heart's electrical activity and identify damage to the heart. Doctors use tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), or a Holter monitor, which records heart activity over a period of time, to diagnose arrhythmias.
Depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia, there are a range of treatment options. We provide comprehensive arrhythmia treatment, from lifestyle-modification assistance to complex surgical treatment. Our services include:
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Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) and involves the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart. During ablation, thin, flexible tubes are introduced through a blood vessel and directed to the heart muscle. A burst of electrical energy is administered to destroy tissue that triggers abnormal electrical signals or to block abnormal electrical pathways.
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Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) - is a small battery-powered electrical impulse generator which is implanted in patients who are at risk of sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation. The device is programmed to detect cardiac arrhythmia and correct it by delivering a jolt of electricity.
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Pacemakers - A pacemaker is a device that sends small electrical impulses to the heart muscle to maintain a suitable heart rate or to stimulate the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). A pacemaker may also be used to treat fainting spells (syncope), congestive heart failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Tbe types of pacemakers are Single Chamber, Dual Chamber, and Biventricular Pacemaker. Your doctor will decide what type of pacemaker you need based on your heart condition. Your doctor also determines the minimum rate (lowest heart rate) to set your pace maker. When your heart rate drops below the set rate, the pacemaker generates (fires) an impulse that passes through the lead to the heart muscle. This causes the heart muscle to contract, creating a heartbeat.
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Radiofrequency Ablation - This procedure treats rapid or irregular heartbeats. It involves using mild, painless radiofrequency energy to destroy cells in the heart that are creating the extra impulses causing the irregular rhythms.