Cardiac Electrophysiology Division

Cardiac electrophysiology treatments

Cardiac electrophysiology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders, also called arrhythmias. To find the source of an arrhythmia, cardiac electrophysiology uses minimally invasive diagnostic tests to study the electrical system that controls your heartbeat. The goal is to diagnose and treat the arrhythmia to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Types of heart rhythm disorders

We treat patients with all types of heart rhythm disorders. We are also a care referral center for patients who haven’t had success elsewhere and for patients who have more complex heart rhythm disorders. Some of the most common rhythm disorders we treat include:

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib): This is the most common arrhythmia characterized by irregular and rapid heart beating. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of stroke.
• Bradycardia: This is a condition where the heart beats slower than normal.
• Premature atrial contractions (PACs): PACs are extra heartbeats originating in the atria (upper chambers). PACs can be asymptomatic or cause heart palpitations.
• Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs): PVCs are extra heartbeats originating in the ventricles (lower chambers). These can cause palpitations and, in some cases, more serious symptoms if frequent or occurring in specific patterns.
• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): This is a rapid heart rhythm originating from the top chambers of the heart and can cause palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
• Syncope: Syncope, commonly known as fainting, is a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness. The seriousness of syncope can vary significantly because it may be a symptom of many different underlying conditions. Any unexplained loss of consciousness should never be ignored.
• Atrial flutter: Atrial flutter is a repetitive electrical loop that makes the chambers of the heart beat faster than they should. While the lower chambers might not beat quite as fast, this condition requires medical attention due to potential complications like stroke.
• Bundle branch block: This is a condition in which there is a delay or blockage along the pathway that electrical impulses travel to make the heart beat.
• Ventricular tachycardia (VT): VT is a rapid heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles and can be life-threatening if sustained.
• Ventricular fibrillation (VF): VF is classified as a chaotic and disorganized ventricular rhythm, leading to cardiac arrest.

It is possible to have more than one of these arrhythmias at the same time or have one arrythmia transition into another. If you have more than one arrhythmia, your care team will discuss treatments tailored to your needs. 

Electrophysiology specialists

The AHN Mario Lemieux Center for Heart Rhythm Care includes clinical cardiac electrophysiologists and clinical electrophysiology advanced practice providers who have dedicated their professional lives to providing the most thorough and compassionate care.

Leadership

Clinical cardiac electrophysiologists

Clinical electrophysiology advanced practice providers

Cardiac electrophysiology appointments

Knowing who to call to make the correct appointment depends on whether you have a current diagnosis. The AHN Cardiac Electrophysiology Program offers the following appointment scheduling options for:

Patients without a diagnosis

If you do not have a current diagnosis, call (412) DOCTORS 412-362-8677 to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) to discuss your symptoms and concerns. If you do not have a PCP, you can use AHN Find Care to search for one near you.

Your PCP may refer you to a general cardiologist for more specialized care. If your PCP has already recommended you see a cardiologist, you can use AHN Find Care to choose a specialist close to home.

Those with a referral for cardiac electrophysiology or looking for a second opinion

If you have been diagnosed with a heart rhythm problem or are looking for a second opinion from an AHN electrophysiologist, you can speak with a member of our care team by calling 412-359-3457.

Cardiovascular research

The AHN Cardiovascular Research Institute is established on more than 100 years of innovation with diverse areas of focus, including research for the latest heart disease treatments and cardiac technology. Our qualified team and heart rhythm specialists take pride in using state-of-the-art devices, technology, and therapies to help revolutionize care for cardiovascular disease.

Clinical trials are special research opportunities that explore medical treatments, strategies, or devices to ensure they’re safe and effective for human use.

Active cardiovascular clinical trials

By prioritizing research and innovation, our physicians and patients are engaged in more than 100 national and international clinical trials. Participating in these trials gives AHN patients special access to some of the newest potential treatment options for cardiovascular disease and aortic disease. Participation in clinical trials is based on meeting eligibility criteria.

To express interest in a clinical trial or to learn more about research opportunities, check out our active cardiovascular clinical trials.

How to refer your patient to the AHN Cardiovascular Institute

If you are not associated with AHN and would like to refer your patient to an AHN Cardiovascular Institute specialist for any reason, you can do so by:

1. Finding the AHN clinical cardiac electrophysiologist you’re looking for and submitting an online patient referral from the doctor’s profile on AHN Find Care.
2. Calling the AHN Physician Access Center at 844-MD-REFER 844-637-3337 to verify the specialist’s availability and complete a referral. 

If you have any questions about independent physician referral, find answers to frequently asked questions.