Evaluation and Diagnosis
The Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab at Shands Jacksonville offers comprehensive diagnostic testing for the evaluation of dizziness, palpitations, loss of consciousness resulting from insufficient blood flow to the brain, slow heart rate, fast heart rate, abnormal or irregular heart rhythm, atrial flutter and heart failure treatment. Upon completion of diagnostic evaluation, the lab is also able to perform the necessary intervention immediately. Elective intervention is also available on an outpatient basis for your convenience.
Diagnostic procedures may include:
Tilt Table Study
The tilt table test is used to determine the cause of your fainting spells. During a tilt table study, you'll be connected to an EKG, oxygen monitor and blood pressure monitor and then strapped to a bed that's tilted in different directions. Your blood pressure and pulse are measured and symptoms are recorded while in various positions. The test is designed to cause a fainting spell in a controlled environment and shows how your heart rate and blood respond to changing positions. Electrophysiology Study
An electrophysiology study is a test of the electrical conduction system of your heart. The study is done by threading catheters into a vein were the leg connects to the abdomen to measure the electrical signals generated by your heart. The reason for conducting the study may be to determine:
- If you need a pacemaker
- Why you're fainting
- If you're prone to a fast heart rhythm and guide the appropriate treatment for the abnormal heart rhythm
- Whether past treatment for a fast heart rhythm has been successful
Holter Monitoring
Holter monitoring is a continuous recording of a patient's heart rhythm, usually for 24 hours, during typical daily activities. It is especially useful in diagnosing abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmia. For this test, small conducting patches called electrodes are placed on your chest and attached to a small digital recording monitor that you can carry in a pocket or in a small pouch worn around your neck. Most current holter monitors and recorders are equipped with an event recorder or marker. When symptoms such as dizziness or palpitations occur, you simply press a button to note the time of the symptoms. This marks the tape so that the symptoms and electrocardiogram ECG recording can be correlated during analysis. Event Monitoring
Like holter monitoring, cardiac event monitoring is used to diagnose symptoms that are infrequent or sporadic; however, the monitor is worn for a longer period of time, about 30 days, to monitor heart rhythm and to record symptoms.
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