When to Consult Your Doctor About a Leg Wound
Leg wounds happen for many reasons. Injuries, nerve damage, and circulatory problems are just a few causes. Learn more about the types of leg wounds and when you should seek expert care for treatment.
How Our On-Site EP Studies Diagnose the Cause of Your Irregular Heartbeat
If you’ve ever experienced an abnormally high heart rate, you know that it can feel scary. It can feel like you’re sprinting at full speed when, in reality, you aren’t even moving. On the flip side, you may have experienced a slow heartbeat and may not have noticed.
These two heart conditions — tachycardia and bradycardia, respectively — can be signs of underlying health conditions. But they aren’t the only ones.
Other abnormal heartbeats, including palpitations and atrial fibrillation, can indicate heart problems. An EP study, which Dr. Hesham Fakhri can conduct onsite at Vein, Heart, and Vascular Institute can uncover those conditions.
What’s an EP study?
“EP” stands for electrophysiology — you can see why we abbreviate it. Electrophysiology is a branch of physiology that studies the electrical properties of your body. An EP study, specifically, looks at the electrical activity of your heart.
These tests help Dr. Fakhri determine if you have an arrythmia (irregular heartbeat). If you do have an irregular heartbeat, an EP study helps Dr. Fakhri determine what type of irregular heartbeat — too fast, too slow, skipping beats, etc. — and develop an appropriate treatment plan. For example, if you need a pacemaker, an EP study lets Dr. Fakhri know that.
How do EP studies work?
During an EP study, Dr. Fakhri inserts thin wires, via a small catheter, into a vein somewhere on your body, usually in the groin but sometimes in the neck. He uses a special type of X-ray called fluoroscopy to thread the wire electrodes to your heart.
Once the electrodes are in your heart, they measure the electrical activity coming from your heart muscle. As your heart beats and sends electrical signals, Dr. Fakhri maps out your heart’s impulses.
Who needs an EP study?
Dr. Fakhri may recommend that you undergo an EP study if he suspects you have a heart problem or if he already knows you have a heart problem and thinks an EP study may help him figure out the root cause.
Some common reasons for undergoing EP studies include:
- To get additional information on abnormally fast or slow heart rates (tachycardia and bradycardia)
- To uncover the cause of symptoms that are often heart-related, such as fainting spells, dizziness, and palpitations
- To find the location of a source of a heart problem
- To determine whether medications prescribed to control heart rhythm are working
- If you are preparing to undergo heart surgery
- If you have a risk of sudden heart death
If you’ve experienced heart-related symptoms like the ones described above, or think you might need an EP study for another reason, schedule a consultation appointment today. Call us at one of our two Vein, Heart, and Vascular Institute locations. You can also request an appointment online at your preferred location.
You Might Also Enjoy...
What Happens if I Don’t Treat My Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are unsightly, visible clusters of twisted and damaged veins under the skin, but do you need treatment? Read on to learn when varicose veins require treatment to avoid dangerous complications.
5 Superfoods for a Heart-Healthy Diet
Heart health is more important as you age, and so is a healthy diet. Read on to discover five superfoods to keep your heart healthy through the years and prevent heart disease.
Start Off the New Year Right With Peace of Mind From a Vascular Ultrasound
The new year is a good time to take control of your health, especially if you have vein disease. Learn how to begin 2025 on a positive note by participating in vascular ultrasound for optimal health.
How Your Diet Can Contribute to Your Wound Care
Your diet significantly affects your overall health, especially wound healing. Keep reading to learn more about how your diet affects wound care and what to eat to promote the natural healing process.
Navigating Life With Hypertension
Living with hypertension means you have a higher risk of a stroke or heart attack, but how do you lower those risks? Here’s how to navigate life with hypertension and how to avoid serious health complications.