A Visit to the

Heart Rhythm Clinic,

Electrophysiology Clinic,

EP Clinic or

Arrhythmia Clinic

So, you're coming to the heart rhythm clinic—no need to panic! Here's what typically happens. I’ll review your medical history and ask about your symptoms. It's a good idea to come prepared with any questions or concerns you have.

Next, you might undergo a series of tests. These could include an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the electrical activity of your heart, a Holter monitor to record your heart's activity over 24-48 hours, or an event monitor to catch irregular rhythms that don't happen daily. Sometimes, an echocardiogram is done later to take an ultrasound picture of your heart, taking a closer look at its structure and function.

The outcomes? Well, it varies. We will review your test results and talk to you about the next steps. While some people might just need medication adjustments or lifestyle changes, others could be looking at procedures. The chance of needing a procedure after being referred to a heart rhythm clinic is about 1 in 8. Procedures could range from cardioversion to reset your heart's rhythm, to ablation to destroy the problematic tissue, or even implantable devices like pacemakers.

Overall, a visit to the heart rhythm clinic is about getting a clear picture of what's going on with your heart and figuring out the best way to manage or treat any issues. It's a step towards better heart health, and we are there to guide and support you through the process.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) paper with multiple recorded heartbeat lines.

Services

Common symptoms assessed

  • Palpitations

  • Missed heartbeats

  • Fainting

  • Syncope

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Loss of fitness

  • Breathlessness

  • Fast heart rate

  • Assessment after cardiac arrest

Conditions treated

  • Atrial fibrillation

  • Atrial flutter

  • Atrial tachycardia

  • Supraventricular tachycardia

  • Ectopic beats

  • Ventricular tachycardia

  • Slow heart rate

  • Bradycardia

  • Risk assessment for cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death

  • Prevention of cardiac arrest

Tests and procedures offered

  • Continuous Ambulatory ECG for up to 72 Hours (Including Reporting)

  • Insertion of Implantable ECG Loop Recorder (Including Reporting)

  • Ablation of Atrio-Ventricular Junction (Including Mapping)

  • Ablation of AV Nodal Re-Entry Tachycardia (Including Mapping)

  • Ablation of Atrial Arrhythmia (Including Mapping)

  • Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmia (Including Mapping)

  • Ablation of left atrial fibrillation by isolation of the pulmonary veins left/right (RFA/CRYO/Laser) (including mapping)

  • Ablation of Accessory Pathway or Selected Modification of AV Node (Including Mapping)

  • Diagnostic Intracardiac Electrophysiological Study Including Characterisation of Intracardiac Conduction and any Testing of Anti-Arrhythmic Drug Efficacy by Programmed Stimulation

  • Cardiac Pacemaker System Introduced Through Vein (Single Chamber)

  • Cardiac Pacemaker System Introduced Through Vein (Dual Chamber)

  • Implantation of Biventricular Pacemaker

  • Resiting of Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

  • Replacement of Generator for Intravenous Cardiac Pacemaker System (without Lead Change)

  • Replacement Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), without Lead Change

  • Lead Replacement for Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

  • Implant of Temporary Pacing Electrode (as Sole Procedure)

  • Removal of Pacing System without Bypass (Including Leads)

  • Removal of Pacing System (Generator only)

  • Insertion of Single Chamber Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

  • Insertion of Dual Chamber Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

  • Insertion of biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)

  • Insertion of Combined Biventricular Pacemaker and Cardioverter Defibrillator (CRT-D)

  • Insertion of an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator with Subcutaneous Leads (Subcutaneous ICD

  • External Cardioversion

  • Diagnostic Intracardiac Electrophysiological Study Including Characterisation of Intracardiac Conduction and any Testing of Anti-Arrhythmic Drug Efficacy by Programmed Stimulation