Heart Rhythm Institute
Posted on June 1st, 2022
Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a disorder of the heart’s electrical system. Every heartbeat is caused by an electrical impulse and is followed by a brief recharging period. The QT interval represents this recharging time and is controlled by ion channels, including potassium, sodium, calcium, and chloride. When there is a defect in one of these channels, the electrical system does not recharge... Read More
Posted on May 2nd, 2022
In the simplest of descriptions, a stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted and brain damage occurs. The cause of decreased blood flow that results in stroke can be many different things, including abnormal heart rhythms. This month, we are dedicated to educating and increasing awareness of the causes and signs of stroke and what to do if you or someone you love is experiencing... Read More
Posted on April 1st, 2022
One of the most common causes of fainting episodes is vasovagal syncope. In vasovagal syncope, the brain misinterprets stimuli and overreacts to it, which then causes a sudden drop in blood pressure. The drop in blood pressure results in lower blood flow to the brain, which causes the person to faint.
Simple things can cause a vasovagal episode, such as the sight of blood, a quick change in body... Read More
Posted on March 1st, 2022
Having a pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) placed is a potentially life-saving surgery, and most patients go on to lead relatively normal lives following the procedure. But like any electronic device, they require regular monitoring and will eventually need to be replaced.
There are three general reasons for replacing a pacemaker or defibrillator. The first and most... Read More
Posted on February 1st, 2022
Ventricular fibrillation is a very serious type of heart rhythm issue. Normally, the heart pumps blood based on a series of contractions stimulated by the sinus node, the heart’s natural pacemaker. In ventricular fibrillation, the heart beats rapidly and in a disorganized manner. The ventricles, or lower heart chambers, quiver and are unable to pump blood to the rest of the body. Without... Read More
Posted on January 1st, 2022
For patients with abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, the primary goal of treatment is to restore normal rhythm when possible and to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke if a normal heart rhythm cannot be restored or maintained. There are a variety of ways a doctor may choose to treat arrhythmias, and often they begin by focusing on nonsurgical treatments.
Nonsurgical... Read More
Posted on December 1st, 2021
Tachycardia is the medical term to describe a fast heartbeat. Heart rate varies from person to person and during different activities and times of day. For diagnosing fast and slow heart rates, doctors look at heartbeats while at rest. Any heart rate above 100 BPM at rest is considered faster than normal.
There are several different types of tachycardia, which are categorized and defined by... Read More
Posted on November 1st, 2021
Ablation is a treatment that involves removing or destroying problematic, abnormal tissue. For some cardiac patients, the procedure can provide the best chance at reducing symptoms or even offer a complete cure and return to normal life. Ablation can be done using cold therapy, heat, lasers, or chemicals, depending on the type of tissue being destroyed.
What heart conditions does ablation... Read More
Posted on October 6th, 2021
From the Seminole Producer – October 6th. 2021:
Oklahoma Heart Hospital is among the first cardiovascular hospitals in the nation to deploy a new FDA-approved heart failure treatment designed to improve contractions of the heart muscle to promote healthier blood flow to the body for patients with chronic heart failure or cardiomyopathy.
The therapy, called Cardiac Contractility Modulation (... Read More
Posted on October 1st, 2021
The decision to treat your heart condition with an implantable cardiac device (ICD), like a pacemaker or defibrillator, can feel overwhelming. Whether you had time to consider the recommendation or if the decision was made during a crisis, adjusting to life with an ICD can take time. You will need to think about both the initial recovery period and the ongoing changes that may occur. ... Read More