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Arrhythmia Program
Expert Care for Irregular Heart Rhythms
An arrhythmia, or dysrhythmia, is an irregular heartbeat or abnormal heart rhythm. Arrhythmias can cause the heart to pump less effectively.
Arrhythmias happen when the heart’s electrical system, which regulates its pumping action, sends faulty signals to the heart muscle. An irregular heartbeat can be harmless or life-threatening, so proper diagnosis and treatment is essential.
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With few exceptions, all arrhythmias are treatable. This is especially true at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, where leading arrhythmia experts specialize in treating complex abnormal heart rhythm problems associated with prior heart surgery, congenital heart disease, coronary blockages and heart attack. As part of an academic medical center, physicians use the latest technology and research results to provide the advanced treatments – such as cryoballoon catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation – that cure even previously untreatable dysrhythmia.
Arrhythmia Physician SpecialistsA team of physicians from multiple specialty areas care for arrhythmia patients at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin.
The multidisciplinary team includes board-certified electrophysiologists (cardiologists who specialize in the electrical activity of the heart and the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders), cardiac surgeons and other heart and vascular specialists. Their combined skills and experience make it possible to successfully treat even the most complex cases of arrhythmia. These cases might include patients who have complicated conditions with multiple diagnoses.
Complete Diagnostic CapabilitiesMany techniques are used to determine the cause of an abnormal heart rhythm, whether bradycardia (a slow heart rate), tachycardia (a rapid heart rate), atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) or one of the many other heart rhythm disorders.
Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin’s Heart and Vascular Center offers the full spectrum of state-of-the-art diagnostic tests, including electrophysiology studies, cardiac MRI, genetic testing, event monitors and tilt table tests.
Comprehensive Treatment OptionsThe most advanced and effective treatment options are available through the Arrhythmia Program at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, including:
- Medications
- Catheter ablation and cryoballoon ablation – using radiofrequency and cryo (freezing) energy to eliminate the source of an irregular heartbeat
- Pacemaker implantation – a surgically implanted, small device helps the heart beat in a regular rhythm
- Cardiac revascularization therapy (CRT) – using a specialized pacemaker to re-coordinate the heart’s action and resolve an irregular heartbeat
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) – a small, surgically implanted device that monitors and corrects dangerous heart rhythms to prevent cardiac arrest
- Surgical CryoMaze and maze procedures –open-heart and minimally invasive surgeries that restore normal heart rhythm
Learn more about treating arrhythmias.
Research LeadersPhysicians at the Heart and Vascular Center conduct and participate in local and national research studies and clinical trials related to arrhythmia and other heart and vascular conditions. See our complete list of clinical research related to heart and vascular disease.
Expert Care for All Types of Arrhythmia ConditionsThere are many types of arrhythmias and disorders related to arrhythmias, so careful diagnosis and treatment planning is required. Whether atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia (VT), paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) or other dysrhythmia, the Arrhythmia Program electrophysiologists and other physician specialists at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin have the expertise to meet each patient’s care needs. Learn more about arrhythmia conditions.
Last Review Date: Aug. 10, 2012 Online Editor(s): Kathryn Adam |
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