Electrophysiology and Arrhythmias
What Does This Unit Cover?
The Electrophysiology and Arrhythmias Unit is dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias). These arrhythmias can manifest as heartbeats that are too fast (tachycardias), too slow (bradycardias), or irregular.
At HM Hospitales, the Electrophysiology and Arrhythmias Unit focuses on:
- Precise diagnosis of arrhythmias: Identification of the type of arrhythmia, its origin, and the factors that trigger it.
- Personalized treatment of arrhythmias: Design of an individualized treatment plan that may include drugs, catheter ablation, device implantation (pacemakers, defibrillators), or surgery.
- Prevention of complications: Minimization of the risk of complications associated with arrhythmias, such as stroke, heart failure, or sudden death.
- Improvement of quality of life: Alleviation of arrhythmia symptoms, such as palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, or syncope.
- Research and innovation: Development of new techniques and technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias.
Related Diseases
- Tachycardia.
- Atrial fibrillation.
- Bradycardia.
- Cardiac arrhythmias.
- Brugada syndrome.
Who is the Unit for?
The Electrophysiology and Arrhythmias Unit is aimed at:
- Patients: Individuals with arrhythmia symptoms, such as palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, syncope, or chest pain.
- Patients at risk of arrhythmia: Individuals with a family history of arrhythmia, structural heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, or other conditions that increase the risk of arrhythmia.
- Patients with known arrhythmias: Individuals who require ongoing monitoring and management of their arrhythmia.
- Athletes: Athletes who wish to evaluate their arrhythmia risk and optimize their athletic performance.
- General public: Individuals interested in learning about cardiac arrhythmias, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
- Family members and caregivers: Those seeking information about cardiac arrhythmias and how to help their loved ones who suffer from them.
- Healthcare professionals: Primary care physicians and other specialists who wish to refer patients for specialized arrhythmia evaluation and treatment.
How do we approach it at HM Hospitales?
Catheter ablation
This procedure uses energy (usually radiofrequency or cryoablation) to eliminate areas of the heart that cause the arrhythmia. A catheter is inserted through blood vessels to the heart, and energy is applied to destroy the cells responsible for the arrhythmia.
Pacemaker implantation
This small device is implanted under the skin, near the heart. It sends electrical impulses to stimulate the heart when it beats too slowly, helping to maintain an adequate heart rhythm.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation
This device is implanted similarly to a pacemaker. It detects dangerous ventricular arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation) and delivers an electrical shock to restore normal heart rhythm.