Heart Rhythm

Hearts should have normal rhythm to their beats, but when these beats are out of synch, it causes inefficient pumping of blood. Irregular heart arrhythmias occur when the electrical signals that coordinate the heart's beats do not work properly. This can cause beats that are too fast (tachycardia), or too slow (bradycardia). Tachycardias include atrial fibrillation (AFib), supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia (VT). Bradycardias include sick sinus syndrome and conduction block. Electrophysiology arrhythmia treatments include medications, life style changes, and the EP lab interventions of catheter ablation, and implantable pacemakers or defibrillators.

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cardiologists evaluating the human heart to provide a treatment strategy

Rising heart failure, AFib rates a ‘wake-up call’ for US cardiologists

Today's heart teams already face a number of challenges on a day-to-day basis.  New data suggest they could soon be treating more patients than ever before.  

Cardiologist heart

With AFib ablation on the rise, HRS highlights importance of proper EP training

Cardiac ablation techniques and technologies are constantly evolving. Only well-trained specialists should be performing these procedures, the Heart Rhythm Society said in a new policy statement.

Focal pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a safe, effective treatment option for premature ventricular contractions (PVC), according to new data published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology.[1]

PFA ablation safe, effective for treating premature ventricular contractions

Early data suggest PVC ablation with PFA technology is associated with a high success rate and minimal complications. 

Heart tissues within one of the Johns Hopkins space launch-ready chambers for study aboard the International Space Station. Photo from Jonathan Tsui.

Space travel disrupts normal rhythm in heart cells

Heart tissue samples that spent 30 days at the International Space Station appear to have been weakened by the low gravity conditions in space. This finding has implications for the heart health of astronauts.

Researchers have found that homemade play-putty can effectively capture electrocardiogram (ECG) signals at a level comparable to commercially available electrodes. The play-putty is made with a simple mix of flour, water, salt, cream of tartar and vegetable oil—but the potential is much more than one may expect.

Homemade electrodes made of putty capture heart data as well as some commercial devices

The putty, made with basic ingredients found around the house, can effectively capture ECG measurements.

cardiologist patient heart compensation starting salary 2022 interventional cardiologist

LBBAP limits hospital readmissions after TAVR

Left bundle branch area pacing is associated with better long-term outcomes than traditional right ventricular pacing when patients require PPMI after TAVR, according to new research in Heart Rhythm. 

Boston Scientific has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its INGEVITY+ pacing leads to be used for left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) when connected to a single- or dual-chamber pacemaker.

FDA approves Boston Scientific leads for left bundle branch area pacing

Boston Scientific's INGEVITY+ pacing leads were originally approved by the FDA back in 2019. They can now be used for LBBAP, a new alternative to biventricular pacing.

money business cash flow dollar

Merit Medical to purchase Cook Medical’s lead management portfolio for $210M

Two medical device companies have announced a transaction that could shake up the U.S. electrophysiology market. 

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