ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY

Working together to manage irregular heart rhythms

Some cardiovascular conditions are caused by electrical problems that affect the heart’s function. Typically, we can diagnose and treat these problems through our electrophysiology lab.

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OVERVIEW

What is electrophysiology?

Electrophysiology is the study of the heart’s electrical system, which controls its rhythm and ability to pump blood. In a healthy heart, electrical impulses move in a predictable pattern, but in cases of arrhythmia, these signals misfire, disrupting normal function. To diagnose and treat these irregularities, doctors perform an electrophysiological study (EPS) using specialized catheters to trace the heart’s electrical activity and pinpoint the source of the problem. Treatment may involve catheter ablation to eliminate damaged tissue or the implantation of a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to help regulate the heartbeat.

Are referrals needed?

Yes. Grady’s Heart & Vascular Center accepts new patients with referrals from either primary care providers or other specialists. Please:

Ask your provider to use our patient referral checklist and email us the details. We will contact you to schedule an appointment.
If you are an existing Grady patient, visit MyChart or call our scheduling line at (404) 616-1000 to make an appointment.

SERVICES

Services offered at the Electrophysiology Lab

The main services offered at the lab are as follows:

Electrophysiological (EP) studies

An electrophysiological study (EP study) evaluates your heart’s electrical system and can be used to check for abnormal heart rhythms. During an EP study, a physician threads wire electrodes through a catheter in the vein, into the heart, using a special kind of X-ray called fluoroscopy. The electrodes measure the heart’s electrical signals and can be used to stimulate the heart tissue to try to cause an abnormal heart rhythm. This is done to evaluate the heart rhythm and find its cause. EP studies may also be done to help evaluate how well a medicine is working.

Learn more about EP studies here

Catheter ablation

Catheter ablation, also known as radiofrequency or pulmonary vein ablation, involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel and guiding it to the heart. When it reaches the area that’s causing the arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat, it can destroy those cells to restore a regular heartbeat. There are two main kinds of catheter ablation:

Cryoablation. A single catheter sends a balloon tipped with a material that freezes the tissues to cause a scar.
Radiofrequency ablation. The doctor uses catheters to send radiofrequency energy (similar to microwave heat) that makes circular scars around each vein or group of veins.

Learn more about catheter ablation here

Primary Location

Grady Memorial Hospital

Phone:

(404) 616-1000

Location:

80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303

Location Details
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CONDITIONS TREATED

What conditions do we treat?

Grady’s Electrophysiology Lab is used to diagnose and treat several different cardiovascular conditions.

Abnormal heart rhythms

Abnormal heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmia, occur when your heart beats too fast (a condition known as tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), irregularly (atrial fibrillation), or in a racing manner (atrial flutter). Arrhythmia can occur if heart functions are disrupted, damaged, or compromised. While arrhythmia can be serious, most cases can be controlled with treatment, which may involve lifestyle and dietary changes, medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.

Learn more about arrhythmia here

Sudden cardiac arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs suddenly and often without warning. It usually results from an electrical malfunction in the heart that disrupts the heart’s pumping action, cutting blood flow to the brain, lungs, and other organs. Individuals who suffer a cardiac require immediate CPR or the use of a defibrillator. Treatment may include medications, an implantable device, or other procedures.

Syncope

Syncope is the medical term for fainting or passing out. It is caused by a temporary drop in the amount of blood that flows to the brain. If you faint, you will likely regain consciousness quickly, but you may feel briefly confused. Treatment usually involves medication and dietary and lifestyle changes. In some cases, the condition may require the implantation of a pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator to control the heart rhythm.

Learn more about syncope here

Valvular disease

Valvular heart disease occurs when any valve in the heart is damaged or diseased. If the valves are diseased, the heart cannot effectively pump blood through the body and it must work harder, either because the blood is leaking back into the chamber or against a narrowed opening. This can lead to heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest, and death. The condition might be managed with medicines to treat the symptoms. However, if the valve is seriously diseased, surgery may be needed to replace the valve.

Learn more about valvular heart disease here

LOCATIONS

Electrophysiology Lab Locations and Directions

Grady Memorial Hospital

Phone:

(404) 616-1000 (Main)
(404) 616-1000 (Appointments)

Location:

80 Jesse Hill Jr Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Heart & Vascular Center – 2nd Floor

Location Details

Grady Memorial Hospital

Phone:

(404) 616-1000 (Main)
(404) 616-1000 (Appointments)

Location:

80 Jesse Hill Jr Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Heart & Vascular Center – 2nd Floor

Location Details

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JB Collingsworth

“God used Grady and the people there to save my life.”

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