Electrophysiology

Restoring Your Normal Rhythm

Your heart works hard every day to keep your body moving. But when you have an irregular heartbeat, it can keep you from doing everything you want to. Cardiac electrophysiology at Saint Vincent Hospital can help you to determine the problem with your heart’s electrical system and find a treatment that can help.

Saint Vincent’s electrophysiology team of doctors, nurse specialists, radiology technicians and support staff are ready to provide you with a range of electrophysiology procedures.

Cardiac Electrophysiology Study: What to Expect

During an electrophysiology study, a small, plastic catheter is inserted through a vein in the groin and threaded to the heart. When the catheter has reached the heart, electrical signals are sent through the catheter in order to examine the electrical system in the heart.

Through the results of this study, your doctor will be able to determine the cause of your irregular heartbeat and find a treatment option right for you. We also use other related procedures to assess your heart, including resting or exercise electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitoring, echocardiography, chest X-rays and other diagnostic tools.

Find a Cardiologist

Fill out a contact form and we’ll call you to refer a doctor.

Request a Cardiovascular Physician Referral.

12 Helpful Ways to Lower Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a kind of lipid that the liver produces naturally. Your body needs it to form specific hormones and vitamin D in the body. It also helps keep the walls of your cells flexible. Cholesterol does not dissolve in water, so it travels in the body through proteins called lipoproteins.

Two Types of Cholesterol

1. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) or the bad cholesterol
2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or the good cholesterol.

Having too much bad cholesterol may result in excess cholesterol deposits in your arteries which may put you at risk of heart attack, kidney failure, stroke and other heart diseases. Learn more about the meaning and importance of your cholesterol numbers.

Ways to Lower Bad (or Increase Good) Cholesterol

1. Increase your fiber intake. (25 grams per day for a 2,000 calorie diet)	2. Eat more healthy fats. (i.e. avocados, olive oil and dark chocolate)	3. Add more omega-3s to your diet. (i.e. salmon and tree nuts)
4. Maintain a healthy weight.	5. Avoid stress.	6. Exercise regularly. (30 min./day, 5 days/week)
7. Don’t smoke.	8. Limit alcohol. (2 drinks/day for men, 1 drink/day for women)	9. Avoid trans fats. (i.e. pastries and cookies)
10. Take supplements like fish oil and flaxseed.	11. Consider prescription medication.	12. Get lipoprotein apheresis treatment.

Final Thoughts

High cholesterol levels can cause serious health problems, including heart disease. The good thing is, committing to a healthier lifestyle and cooperating with your doctor can help you treat or manage this condition, and prevent greater health risks in the future.

Meanwhile, if you don’t know your cholesterol levels, please schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Find a Doctor

Sources:
Healthline
MedlinePlus