Advanced care for heart rhythm disorders
Heart doctors at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Rutherford Electrophysiology in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, provide personalized care and minimally invasive procedures for AFib and other heart rhythm disorders. When you notice a change in your heartbeat, such as a flutter or quiver in your chest, start a conversation about your new symptoms with a cardiologist. Some people who have AFib have no symptoms, while others may experience:
- Chest pain
- Extreme fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Lightheadedness
- Rapid heart rate, fluttering or pounding
- Shortness of breath
Diagnosing AFib and other heart rhythm disorders
At Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Rutherford Electrophysiology, cardiologists and board-certified specialists in electrophysiology (EP) are part of your care team. Your doctor may perform a physical exam and recommend heart tests to diagnose your irregular heartbeat (called a heart arrhythmia). Advanced diagnostic testing for AFib and other heart rhythm disorders may include:
- Blood tests
- Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan
- Cardiac stress or exercise test
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Holter and event monitors
- Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
- Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE)
A heart rhythm disorder can be a sign of a more serious condition. AFib can increase your risk for other heart conditions such as stroke, heart attack and heart failure. Heart specialists at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Rutherford Electrophysiology use the latest treatments and technology, including therapeutic and minimally invasive procedures, to help manage your symptoms and regulate your heartbeat.
Minimally invasive surgery for AFib
Your doctor may recommend a care plan for your AFib that includes surgical treatment options.
At Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Rutherford Electrophysiology, our heart specialists provide non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures for heart arrhythmias. During minimally invasive procedures, your surgeon makes tiny incisions that may help shorten your recovery time and lower your risk of infection. Talk with your doctor about what AFib treatment options are right for you.
Catheter ablation
Your doctor uses a catheter to target the abnormal cells causing your arrhythmia.
Cardioversion
Your doctor places electrodes (sensors) on your chest and back to deliver an electric current to your heart. The electric shock briefly stops and resets your heart rhythm to a normal pace.
Pacemaker
A pacemaker sends low electric pulses to the heart to fix slow heart rates. A single chamber pacemaker targets either your atrium or ventricle. A dual chamber pacemaker targets both the atrium and ventricle.
WATCHMAN™
If your AFib is not caused by valve damage or disease, our cardiologists and electrophysiologists may recommend the WATCHMAN™ device to help close off your left atrial appendage (LAA). When implanted, the quarter-sized device acts as a barrier to prevent blood clots from leaving your LAA and entering your bloodstream.
Maze surgery for AFib
If your care plan includes surgery, you will be referred to a cardiac surgeon to discuss your options.
If you are experiencing chest pain, especially in combination with jaw or arm pain, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting or difficulty breathing, you might be having a heart attack. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.