Cardiac Electrophysiology

UI Health Care electrophysiologists offer the most advanced treatments for all types of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation.

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University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center is home to the state’s largest and most experienced team of electrophysiologists and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) specialists. We offer more diagnostic and treatment options than any other hospital in Iowa, and we frequently treat people with challenging arrhythmias who haven’t found relief elsewhere.

What is electrophysiology?

Inside the body, there are various electrical systems that keep muscles and tissues performing as they should. Electrophysiology is the branch of medicine focused on caring for and regulating these electrical systems, including your heart’s rhythm.

When you have an irregular heart rhythm, an electrophysiologist—a type of cardiologist—can work with you to create a plan to treat your irregular heartbeat based on your specific condition, goals, and preferences.

Iowa’s leading arrhythmia specialists

What sets us apart from other hospital systems in Iowa is our ability to offer more treatment options. These include:

Advanced treatment for atrial fibrillation (AFib)

If you still have Afib symptoms despite trying several medications or having several cardiac ablations, our team may be able to help. We offer specialized procedures for AFib management, which can be combined with traditional AFib ablation for more options. We also offer AV node ablation that, when combined with a pacemaker, can significantly improve AFib symptoms.

Treatment for hard-to-reach arrhythmias

Certain arrhythmias can be difficult to treat with cardiac ablation. Usually it’s because the source of the irregular heartbeat is blocked by a heart valve or other structure. Providers across Iowa often refer their patients to the UI Heart and Vascular Center for cardiac ablation. We use innovative techniques that help us access nearly every part of the heart.

Treatment for dangerous, inherited arrhythmias

Certain types of arrhythmias run in families. These inherited arrhythmias tend to be rare, making them difficult to diagnose. They’re also more likely to cause sudden cardiac death, especially in younger people. Our team has expertise in these specific arrhythmias and collaborates with UI Health Care’s cardiovascular genetics program to offer testing, diagnosis, and tailored treatments to patients and their immediate family members.

Treatment for patients who can’t tolerate blood thinners

Many people with Afib take blood thinners. That’s because Afib increases the risk of blood clots, which can cause stroke. However, some people develop serious side effects after taking blood thinners. In those cases, we provide eligible patients an effective alternative: a procedure called left atrial appendage closure. During the procedure, we implant a tiny device (called Watchman) into the heart. It closes the part of the heart where blood clots usually form, so they can’t travel to the brain.

Additionally, as an academic medical center, you’ll have access to even more potential treatments for arrhythmia through one of the clinical trials we offer—many of which are not available anywhere else in Iowa.

Experts in arrhythmia care

Our electrophysiologists and arrhythmia specialists are experts in how to diagnose and treat all types of arrhythmias, including the most rare and challenging.

Diagnostic tests and electrophysiology study

Procedures such as electrophysiology studies, echocardiograms, and electrocardiograms (EKGs) help us pinpoint the type of arrhythmia you have and what’s causing it. A thorough and accurate diagnosis is key to determining the most effective treatment.

Medications

Medications can help control your arrhythmia and prevent serious complications, such as heart attacks or blood clots that can lead to stroke. Your provider can help you determine what role medications can play in your overall treatment plan.

Electrophysiology procedures

Cardiac ablation procedures are minimally invasive and use heat (radiofrequency ablation) or cold (cryoablation) to block the abnormal electrical signals that cause arrhythmia. This helps restore a normal heartbeat—sometimes permanently. Ablation procedures in selected patients can also be used to increase heart rate or to prevent episodes of passing out.

Devices

We offer implantable devices that monitor your heart rhythm and make sure your heart beats normally. These include the most up-to-date pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) available. We also offer cardiac resynchronization therapy (biventricular devices) for people with arrhythmia and heart failure.

A team approach to arrhythmia care

Many people with arrhythmia also have other heart conditions. We believe it’s important for the specialists who treat each condition to work closely together. We collaborate with a wide range of specialists across UI Health Care, including:

This allows us to create a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medications, symptom monitoring, and lifestyle changes that consider your overall health and your treatment goals.

What to expect from our electrophysiologists

Whether you have first-time arrhythmia symptoms or your current treatment no longer works, our electrophysiology team can help. Depending on the reason for your in-person or telehealth (video) visit, we may review or discuss:

The results of any tests you had before your visit and whether you’ll need additional tests
Your current symptoms and treatment goals
Your treatment options
Lifestyle changes that can help improve your arrhythmia symptoms
Whether you feel better or have side effects following a recent treatment
Whether it’s time to check or upgrade your implantable device
Whether you need a referral to another UI Heart and Vascular Center specialist, such as a heart surgeon, for advanced care

Once your arrhythmia symptoms are under control, your electrophysiologist will let you know how often you need to be seen for routine follow-up care.