Electrophysiology
& Pacing
Keeping your heart in rhythm
What Are
Heart Rhythm Disorders?
Heart rhythm disorder can occur in anyone, regardless of age or health status. Some people may experience symptoms, such as a racing heart, giddiness or fainting spells, while others may not have any symptoms at all.
Heart rhythm disorders, also known as arrhythmias, are a group of conditions that affect the rhythm and rate at which your heart beats. Your heart is a powerful muscle that pumps blood throughout your body, and it does so by contracting and relaxing in a specific rhythm. If this rhythm is disrupted, it can cause your heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly.
What is the field of electrophysiology and pacing?
Electrophysiology is a specialised field of cardiology that focuses on the electrical activity of the heart with the aim of diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders.
Electrophysiologists are specially trained cardiologists who use a variety of techniques to study the heart's electrical activity and identify abnormalities. This may involve inserting thin wires called catheters into the heart to measure abnormal electrical signals, creation of a 3d model of your heart on our mapping system to trace abnormal electrical flow, and catheter ablation to eliminate abnormal electrical activity within the heart itself. Other modalities of treatment involve implanting devices under the skin to regulate abnormal heart rhythms such as pacemakers and implantable defibrillators. Defibrillators function to deliver lifesaving electrical shocks to rectify dangerous abnormal heart rhythms.
What You Can Do If You Have An Abnormal Heart Rhythm ?
If you have been diagnosed with an arrhythmia or suspect you do, it is important to work closely with your cardiologist or electrophysiologist to diagnose and manage your condition. This may involve taking medications to regulate your heart rate or rhythm, undergoing catheter ablation procedures to correct abnormalities in your heart's electrical system, or making lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing further complications.
It is normal to feel anxious or scared when you are dealing with a heart rhythm disorder, but know that you are not alone. Many people successfully manage their arrhythmias with the help of their healthcare team.
Conditions That Require Treatment
Atrial
Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm arising from the top chambers of the heart and is the most common heart rhythm disorder in humans. It should be treated with medication for control or catheter ablation to eliminate abnormal activity in the heart.
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Supraventricular
Tachycardia
Supraventricular tachycardia arises from a short circuit in the upper portion of the heart, sometimes due to abnormal electrical connections between chambers of the heart. Catheter ablation is highly effective in treating this condition.
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Ventricular
Arrhythmias
Irregular electrical activity from the bottom chamber of the heart (ventricles) can be dangerous. Some patients require implantable defibrillators to safeguard against these irregular rhythms by delivering lifesaving shocks in times of need.
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Sinus Node
Dysfunction or Atrioventricular Block
The intrinsic electrical components of the heart tend to degenerate with time and can lead to slow heart beats or unreliable heart rhythms that may cause giddy spells or faints if severe enough. Pacemakers are implanted in such circumstance to ensure that a persons heart rhythm is maintained at a reliable rate.
We Are Here For You
Remember to listen to your body and seek medical attention if you experience abnormally fast heart beats, giddiness and fainting spells. We at The Heart Specialist Clinic are here to establish whether there is a heart rhythm disorder and provide you with the support, care and treatment required.
@Orchard
3 Mount Elizabeth #14-10
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
@Parkway East
319 Joo Chiat Pl #04-02
Parkway East Medical Centre
Singapore 427989