How at Leaders in Heart Rhythm Care we diagnose, treat and manage long term cardiac care

Arrhythmias – or irregular heart rhythms are very common. Symptoms include palpitations (racing heart), heart flutters and irregular heart beats, dizziness, shortness of breath and even blackouts and fatigue. 

The most common arrhythmias we treat include atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beats), supraventricular tachycardia, or accelerated heart rhythm, ectopic beats (extra beats), slow heart rhythms and bradycardia.

While many arrhythmias can be harmless, complex arrhythmias need specific treatment, and a general cardiologist may not have access to the latest techniques and technology, or be well versed in the latest treatment approaches. Electrophysiologists on the other hand, are experienced cardiologists who focus specifically on the electrical impulses and patterns of the heart. 

At LHRC we can offer the most effective, appropriate treatment for any arrhythmia – whether as a symptom of congenital heart disease or any other cause. Our centre of excellence ensures that, whatever your need, you’ll always receive the very highest standards of care.

Not all abnormal heart rhythms need treatment. But some can be very dangerous, so it’s important to get a fast and accurate diagnosis, so your consultant can guide you towards the next steps in your treatment plan. We carry out all the latest diagnostic tests for heart rhythm conditions in our dedicated cardiac unit at The Wellington Hospital, North Building.

Your consultant might recommend an electrocardiogram (ECG) – that uses small electrodes on your chest to record your heart’s electrical activity and pick up any abnormal rhythms and other conditions.

You may be offered an echocardiogram, which uses soundwaves to create a complete image of your heart, or you may need pacemaker checks. The LHRC unit has all the latest diagnostic equipment we need to map arrhythmias that would previously have been impossible to detect, such as the CardioInsight Mapping Vest.

Many arrhythmias can be managed with blood thinners or other medication, depending on the cause and underlying condition. Your consultant will consider the best course of treatment based on your test results.

Our consultants offer all the very latest treatment technologies and techniques within our state-of-the-art cath labs, such as radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation. 

We also offer the very latest Cryoballoon ablation treatment for atrial fibrillation, which uses a balloon catheter to locate and freeze the heart tissue that causes irregular heartbeats.

All our ablation procedures are supported by the most up-to-date electro-anatomical mapping systems, such as CARTO® 3 System and EnSite Precision cardiac mapping. These create a real-time 3D map of the heart to enhance safety and outcomes of the procedure.

Our consultants can also implant the latest leadless defibrillators and pacemakers to monitor and regulate the heart rhythm. While a regular pacemaker fits beneath the collarbone and is connected to the heart with wires, these new devices are far smaller in size and attach directly to the heart tissue, with no need for wires.