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Catheter Ablation - For Irregular or Rapid Heartbeat

Find out more about David Sterns, M.D
Cardiologist with the Alegent Health Heart and Vascular Institute

Arrhythmias are caused by a disruption of the normal functioning of the electrical system of the heart and result in a racing, out of rhythm heartbeat. The condition can be caused by impulses which are transmitted in an irregular fashion to the ventricles of the heart, or can also happen when some impulses fail to be transmitted. The condition affects both men and women, and the chances increase with age.

For patients who have a problem with the speed and pattern of their heartbeat, Alegent Health physicians often use the latest high tech procedure called Catheter Ablation. This procedure destroys some of the cells in the heart that are causing the problem, and may result in relieving symptoms and could allow the patient to discontinue the medications that were prescribed for the condition.

During catheter ablation at Alegent Health, the physician speeds up the heart rate, and uses a 3D map to show where the heart's electrical system is misfiring. Then, using high frequency radio waves, the physician eliminates the problem areas.

Dr. David Sterns , cardiologist with the Alegent Health Heart and Vascular Institute says, "by cutting the pathways, the patients don't have to worry about the heart taking off, getting light headed, feeling terrible, and getting that jittery feeling.

Click here to find out more about the Alegent Health Heart and Vascular Institute.