Arrhythmia Care (Afib)
Everyone’s heart skips a beat from time to time. But in some people, it’s a sign of an arrhythmia — a potentially serious heart condition.
We are home to one of upstate New York’s leading arrhythmia programs. Our expertise spans common and rare arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (Afib) and Brugada syndrome. You have access to respected heart rhythm specialists who work together to deliver exceptional care.
What is an Arrhythmia?
Your heart has an electrical system that enables it to keep up with the body’s changing blood flow needs. It slows your heart rate when you’re resting and speeds it up when you experience physical or emotional stress.
Arrhythmias occur when the heart’s electrical signals don’t function as they should. You may experience a heartbeat that’s too fast, too slow, or irregular. Some irregular heartbeats are harmless, while others can be life-threatening.
Why Choose St. Peter's Health Partners for Your Arrhythmia Care?
Doctors specializing in the heart’s electrical activity (electrophysiologists) guide your treatment. Our electrophysiologists are board-certified, meaning they passed rigorous exams demonstrating their knowledge. They deliver services reflecting the latest science in arrhythmia care, so you can count on us for therapies that meet your needs.
Our Arrhythmia Care Program Includes:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: You receive a thorough examination and sophisticated tests that often include an electrophysiology (EP) study. This test assesses the heart’s electrical activity. Our experience from performing a high volume of EP studies leads to an accurate evaluation, even for complex arrhythmias.
- Team Approach: Patients with complex medical needs benefit from the recommendations of multiple experts. Electrophysiologists work with heart surgeons and doctors specializing in minimally invasive procedures (interventional cardiologists) to carefully plan treatments. This approach helps you focus on getting better.
- Easy Access: If you experience sudden changes in arrhythmia symptoms, you may not be able to wait for an appointment. We are here for you with walk-in services in select clinic locations. You receive timely assessments and testing so we can determine the next steps in your care.
Arrhythmia Treatments and Hybrid Procedures
Your personalized treatment plan may involve lifestyle changes, medications, implantable devices, or procedures, including:
- Medications such as antiarrhythmic drugs, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, and blood thinners (anticoagulants)
- Implantable Devices such as pacemakers and cardioverter defibrillators that control irregular heart rhythms
- Catheter Ablation, which destroys targeted areas of heart tissue that cause arrythmias
- WATCHMAN™ Device for Afib to lower stroke risk
Additional Services for Arrhythmia Patients
Our comprehensive approach includes services that maximize wellness and lower your risk of complications.
Anticoagulation Clinic
If you are on blood thinners to reduce stroke risk, this clinic ensures you are receiving the appropriate dose. We are the only program in the region offering this service.
We perform monthly blood testing to determine whether blood is clotting too quickly or slowly. A specially trained pharmacist works with your care team to adjust your blood thinner prescription if necessary.
Cardiac Device Clinic
The device clinic is for people with implantable devices that record or regulate heart rhythm. These include implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), pacemakers, and loop recorders. Arrhythmia nurse specialists check data from the device to learn about recent heart activity and whether treatments are meeting your needs.
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
Arrhythmia symptom flare-ups sometimes require a hospital stay. We help you get back on your feet after returning home with outpatient cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. This medically supervised program includes exercise and healthy lifestyle coaching to reduce the likelihood of an additional hospital stay.
Take the Next Step
Call 1-800-HEART-76 (1-800-432-7876) to find a heart specialist or learn more about cardiovascular care at St. Peter’s Health Partners.