At the heartbeat clinic we specialize in implantable device procedures

Pacemaker

Definition:
A pacemaker is a small device that sends electrical impulses to the heart muscle to maintain a suitable heart rate.

Types of Pacemakers

The pacemaker has two parts: the leads and a pulse generator. There are different types of pacemakers. Some have one lead, pacing only the ventricles or the atria; others have two leads, pacing both chambers.

Single chamber pacemaker

1 lead in the upper or lower chamber of the heart.

Dual chamber pacemaker

1 lead in the upper chamber and one lead in the lower chamber of your heart

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Amiodarone Patients

Amiodarone is the most commonly prescribed anti rhythm medicaton. It is used frequently because it is one the most effective medication of its kind.  Recently FDA has issued an advisory on amiodarone.  At the end of this text is a complete copy of patient information handout on amiodarone.  It can also be viewed at Wyeth website.

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Electrophysiology Studies

Patients Guide to Electrophysiology Procedures

Cardiac electrophysiology is a medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal heart rhythms. Electrophysiologists are fully trained cardiologists who have undertaken additional fellowship training in clinical cardiac electrophysiology. Cardiac electrophysiologists have expertise in the invasive diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. They perform invasive procedures including diagnostic electrophysiology testing, radiofrequency catheter ablation, and implantation of antiarrhythmic devices such as pacemakers and cardioverter-defibrillators.

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Tilt table test

Indications

Upright tilt table test is a simple, extremely safe, non-invasive test that helps to diagnose syncope of unknown origin, patients with a structurally normal heart and unexplained dizziness or lightheadedness with or without loss of consciousness, and patients with orthostatic hypotension without an underlying cause

After the physician does a thorough clinical evaluation including and not limited to history, physical examination, extensive cardiovascular and electrophysiological testing, and rules out cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, structural heart defects, the tilt table test is conducted in the autonomic lab. The physician will discuss in detail regarding the procedure, risks, benefits, alternatives of the test. The tilt table test can make you feel nervous, however if you discuss the procedure with your physician and technician, it will make it a more pleasant experience.
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