Leading Medicine Winter 2022, Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital edition

LEADING MEDICINE W INT ER 2022

Cancer Screening Guidelines by Age

Team Up With Your Doctor FOR BETTER HEALTH Take Control With Migraine Treatments Visit houstonmethodist.org/lmn/winter-2022 to read more online.

YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN EAST HOUSTON/BAYTOWN

THE FACTS ABOUT HERNIATED DISK

T

he dull ache in your lower back suddenly turns into a sharp pain running down the back of your leg. Could it be a herniated disk?

Dr. Comron Saifi

WHAT IS A HERNIATED DISK?

The spinal column consists of vertebrae separated by soft, cushiony disks. When that softer material slips outside the vertebral column, it can press against nerves and cause pain. Disk pain is often the result of a gradual, age-related wear and tear, called disk degeneration. It’s common for the lumbar or lower back to be affected. But disks in the neck can also slip or herniate. The thoracic or midback disks are rarely affected.

Symptoms include: A rm or leg pain can radiate from the buttock to the foot or through the shoulder and arm, depending on the location of the affected disk.

N umbness or tingling can occur in the limb that is served by the nerve the disk is pressing against.

W eakness can occur in the muscles served by the affected nerve, causing you to stumble or have difficulty lifting or holding items.

CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT

“Treatment varies based on your overall health, age, activity level and severity of the symptoms,” said Dr. Comron Saifi, an orthopedic and spine surgeon with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports

Medicine at Baytown. “Initially a short period of rest and pain medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or painkillers, may be followed by physical therapy.”

Taking into consideration your condition, physical therapists may combine exercise with: Heat or ice Traction Ultrasound Electrical stimulation Short-term bracing for neck or back As the pain improves, your physical therapist will teach you corestrengthening exercises to help avoid a recurrence. Generally, most people’s symptoms improve within a month of conservative treatment.

If physical therapy doesn’t relieve the pain, steroid injections may help control the pain. These injections, done in the doctor’s office, reduce swelling around the disk to relieve symptoms. Your doctor may use X-rays or fluoroscopy to locate where the injection is needed.

SURGERY

“For the few patients whose symptoms do not subside with other treatments, surgery may be necessary,” said Saifi. Your doctor may recommend surgery if: Your symptoms haven’t improved after six weeks of conservative therapy.

A disk fragment lodges in your spinal canal and presses on a nerve, causing progressive weakness.

You have difficulty performing basic activities, such as standing or walking.

In most cases, the surgeon removes the protruding section of the disk. Rarely,

We’ve Got Your Back

WATCH FOR EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS Sometimes low back pain can be a sign of something more serious.

Seek medical attention right away if you experience: B ack pain that does not go away Numbness, loss of movement or weakness Changes in bladder or bowel function

the entire disk must be removed and the vertebrae fused with metal hardware to stabilize the spine. Your surgeon may also suggest implanting an artificial disk.

If back pain has sidelined you from daily activities, our spine specialists can put you back in the game. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Baytown, visit houstonmethodist.org/baytown or call 281.427.7400.

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Aching Legs Could Be a Warning of Vascular Disease

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re you suffering from chronic pain, aches and fatigue in your legs? Does it interfere with your walking or cause pain even when you’re at rest? Recurring Dr. Sara or persistent pain in Edeiken your legs may be a sign that your vascular system, the network of veins and arteries that carries blood to and from your organs, is not working well. Peripheral arterial disease — blocked arteries in the arms or legs — is often the cause of leg pain.

“Before you can be diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease, your doctor will take a careful history, examine you and possibly run some tests, such as a noninvasive arterial test (similar to a blood pressure test, but done on the leg), an ultrasound, a CT scan or an angiogram,” said Dr. Sara Edeiken, a vascular surgeon with Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center at Baytown. There may be other nonvascular conditions that can lead to leg pain, such as arthritis, which might also need to be investigated.

RESTORING BLOOD FLOW

If your doctor determines that leg pain is a result of a narrowing of the arteries in your legs, treatment may include one or more of the following: L ifestyle changes. Your doctor may suggest taking steps to improve the underlying condition, such as quitting smoking; starting a walking program to improve endurance; and controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes.

M edications. Your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications, blood pressure medications or blood thinners to reduce major risks to your cardiovascular health. You may need

See Your Doctor

Whatever the cause of your leg pain, it’s important to see a doctor.

With today’s medical advances in vascular disease, you can recover quickly from treatments and get back to enjoying life without leg pain.

Call 832.556.6625 or visit houstonmethodist.org/baytown to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist or vascular specialist at the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center at Baytown. diabetic medications or insulin to help lower your blood sugar levels.

A ngioplasty. A tiny balloon is threaded into the artery until it reaches the point of blockage and then inflated to reduce the narrowing.

S tents. Small devices are placed in the arteries to keep them from closing again. Stents are frequently used in combination with angioplasty.

E ndarterectomy. The surgical removal of plaque to improve blood flow in a blocked artery.

B ypass surgery. Surgeons use some of your own veins or artificial veins to create a detour around the blocked area.

VARICOSE VEINS AND LEG PAIN

“Sometimes it’s not the arteries, but your veins that are at fault,” shared Edeiken.

“Tiny spider veins that are visible on the surface of the skin are harmless, but varicose veins, which can show under the skin as gnarled clusters, can cause leg pain.”

Depending on the severity, your doctor may recommend that you wear compression socks or stockings during the day. These garments help reduce swelling and improve symptoms, such as aching and fatigue. Exercise and elevating your legs when you rest helps, too. Large clusters of varicose veins may need to be removed surgically or treated with a laser or injections.

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Cancer Screening Guidelines by Age

PREVENT AND DETECT CANCER AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE

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arly detection is a powerful weapon in the fight against cancer. Cancer screening tests can detect cancer before it spreads or causes any symptoms. When cancer is found early, the chances for effective treatment are better. That’s why it’s important to stay on track with cancer screening tests.

“Knowing what cancer screening tests to get Dr. Nirav Naik and when can help you defend against cancer,” said Dr. Nirav Naik, hematologist-oncologist with the Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Baytown. “Ask your doctor about cancer prevention and screening tests — and encourage your loved ones to do the same.”

CANCER SCREENING GUIDELINES

The American Cancer Society suggests the following guidelines for the early detection of cancer. Depending on your family history and other risk factors, your doctor may recommend a different screening schedule for you.

SCREENING TEST

Compassionate Cancer Care

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, call 281.420.7211 to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with a specialist with the Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Baytown or visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer-baytown to learn more about our services.

Correction: On page 7 of the article “Mammograms FAQ” in the fall 2021 edition of Leading Medicine, the word “fibrous” was used to describe the density level of breast tissue. “Fibroglandular” should have been used, as it is a more accurate description of high-density tissue.

4 LEADING MEDICINE IN EAST HOUSTON/BAYTOWN

AGE

FREQUENCY

Cervical cancer Starting at age 21 screening

Every 3–5 years

Colonoscopy

Starting at age 45

Every 10 years

Lung cancer screening

Current or former smokers ages 55–77

Every year

Mammogram

Talk to your doctor starting at age 40

Every 1–2 years

Prostate cancer screening

Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of testing starting at age 45

Ask your doctor

Sources: American Cancer Society and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

QUESTIONS TO ASK AT EVERY AGE

“Every person’s risk for cancer is different,” Naik said. That’s why you should see your doctor regularly and stay ahead of any cancer screening tests you may need. According to Naik, here are some key questions for men and women in different age groups:

Women ages 21–39

Ask your doctor about cervical cancer testing, including an HPV test and/or Pap test.

Know how your breasts feel normally and report any changes to your doctor.

Ask your doctor if you have a higher than average risk for breast cancer or colon cancer because of family history, genetic disorders or other factors.

Men ages 21–39

Ask your doctor if you have a higher than average risk for colon cancer because of family history, genetic disorders or other factors.

Women ages 40–49

Continue with cervical cancer screening tests every three to five years.

Ask your doctor about getting an annual breast cancer screening mammogram. If you have a high risk for breast cancer, find out if adding MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to your mammogram routine is right for you.

Discuss getting your first colonoscopy at age 45 if you’re at average risk for colon cancer. Your doctor may recommend starting sooner if you’re at high risk for colon cancer.

Men ages 40–49

Find out if you’re at high risk for prostate cancer. If so, consult your doctor about the risks and potential benefits of prostate cancer screening in your 40s.

Discuss getting your first colonoscopy at age 45 if you’re at average risk for colon cancer. Your doctor may recommend starting sooner, if you’re at high risk for colon cancer.

6 WAYS TO BE HEALTHY AND PREVENT CANCER Here are six steps to help you live healthy and prevent cancer at any age:

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Don’t smoke. Avoiding tobacco or getting help to quit reduces your risk for cancer and other health problems. Stay away from secondhand smoke and protect children from exposure to secondhand smoke.

2

Move more. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.

Try to limit the amount of time you spend sitting — even small bursts of activity can help your health.

3

Eat healthfully. Focus on eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit red meats, sugary drinks and highly processed foods.

4

Lose weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of several major diseases, including cancer. Talk to your doctor about starting a weight loss program to help you lose weight and keep it off.

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Avoid alcohol. Don’t drink alcohol, or limit alcohol to one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men.

Protect your skin. Limit exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light, wear clothing that shields your skin and don’t skimp on sunscreen.

Women ages 50–64

Continue with cervical cancer screening tests every three to five years.

Continue mammograms every year, or you can discuss with your doctor whether you should get a mammogram every two years.

Get a colonoscopy every 10 years or more frequently as recommended by your doctor.

If you’re a current or former smoker, have a discussion with your doctor about whether you’d benefit from a lung cancer screening starting at age 55.

Men ages 50–64

Starting at age 50, all men should talk to their doctor about the pros and cons of prostate cancer testing.

Get a colonoscopy every 10 years or more frequently as recommended by your doctor.

If you’re a current or former smoker, have a discussion with your doctor about whether you’d benefit from a lung cancer screening starting at age 55.

Women age 65+

Discuss whether to continue cervical cancer testing with your doctor.

Continue with breast cancer screening mammograms every one or two years.

Get a colonoscopy every 10 years through age 75, then ask your doctor whether you should continue testing.

If you’re a current or former smoker, continue with lung cancer screening every year, if testing is recommended by your doctor.

Men age 65+

Get a colonoscopy every 10 years through age 75, then ask your doctor whether you should continue testing.

If you’re a current or former smoker, continue with lung cancer screening every year, if testing is recommended by your doctor.

Ask your doctor about the pros and cons of prostate cancer testing.

HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/BAYTOWN 5

Team Up With Your Doctor for Better Health W 1 hen it comes to your health, your primary care provider is your quarterback. They have a big picture view of your health and can Dr. Adolat help you not only manage Mirzaeva your current medical problems, but also help you make the right moves to stay healthy.

“Having a strong and trustful relationship with your primary care provider is key for good health,” said Dr. Adolat Mirzaeva, a family medicine physician with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group. Building a relationship and partnership with your primary care provider can help you tackle health problems and stay healthy through the ups and downs of life.

IT’S A TEAM EFFORT

Here are some ways to make the most of your health visits and build a winning relationship with your provider.

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Find a primary care provider. Look for a doctor who is board-certified, speaks your preferred language, and offers convenient appointments in a location near you. Above all, you should choose a doctor you trust who listens and makes you feel comfortable.

Schedule an annual exam. It’s important to schedule an annual checkup even when you feel fine health-wise. Annual checkups help you stay on top of your health, making it possible to prevent and detect problems early. “Your doctor will also discuss your risks for cardiovascular disease, review any existing medical conditions and review your vaccination history,” Mirzaeva said.

Identify communication barriers.

Resources are available if you or a loved one struggles with hearing, understanding or remembering what is said in your health visits. Bringing a loved one along to your appointment may help you better understand the information shared by your doctor while providing emotional support, if needed. Contact the doctor’s office to let them know if you need

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help with communication or would like to have a family member or friend join you for your appointment.

Mont Belvieu Baytown

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6 LEADING MEDICINE IN EAST HOUSTON/BAYTOWN

Put Your Health First

Prioritize your health by making an appointment with a primary care provider. Convenient appointments are available at a location near you. Schedule an appointment with a doctor at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group by visiting houstonmethodist.org/pcg/baytown or calling 832.556.6676.

A CHECKLIST FOR YOUR NEXT CHECKUP

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Share your health history.

Managing your health is easier when you build a relationship with a primary care provider who knows your background and health history. Your doctor may recommend health screening tests based on your age, personal or family health history, and other factors. For example, if you have a family history of heart disease, stroke, diabetes or cancer, your doctor may emphasize ways to prevent disease and recommend screening tests to help detect disease early.

Be open and honest. There’s no reason to hold back information because you’re worried or embarrassed. Your primary care provider is there to support you in improving your health, not to pass judgment on your decisions. The doctor-patient relationship is ironclad in its confidentiality, with many ethical, professional and legal standards that protect it. “Having open and honest conversations about your health helps your

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doctor better understand you and serve your health care needs,” Mirzaeva said.

Talk about mental health. Your primary care doctor can help with mental health concerns, including screening and treatment for depression and anxiety. Your doctor can also connect you with referrals to therapy, counseling or specialized care.

Ask about vaccines. Your primary doctor can be a great resource to help you understand which vaccines are recommended for you and when to get them. It’s important to have these conversations with your doctor so you can make informed decisions based on the latest medical guidance.

Set goals for your health. If you want to lose weight, quit smoking or make other healthy changes, your doctor can help you get started. Your chances of success improve when you have medical support for making big changes to your health.

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Going to the doctor for a yearly checkup is an important part of your health routine.

Here’s a checklist to help you prepare for your next visit: Ask about screenings and prepare your vaccination history. When scheduling your appointment, find out whether you’re due for any shots or tests.

Knowing in advance helps so that you’re mentally and physically prepared — especially if there are any special instructions to follow, such as fasting before a cholesterol test.

Review your family medical history. Your doctor may ask about any new diseases or conditions that have occurred in your close relatives since your last visit. If needed, write down notes about your family health history to share with your doctor.

Write down a list of questions. When you’re in the doctor’s office, it can be hard to remember everything. Having a list of questions prepared ahead of time can help you make sure you get answers to all your questions.

Bring a list of medications. Your doctor’s office will ask about the current medications you’re taking, including all prescription and over-thecounter medications as well as herbs, vitamins and other dietary supplements.

HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/BAYTOWN 7

4 BENEFITS OF BARIATRIC SURGERY A re you ready to transform your life and lose weight? If you have weight-related health problems and are unable to lose pounds with diet and exercise alone, bariatric surgery may be an option. Weight loss surgery reduces the size of the stomach, so you feel fuller faster and eat less.

Dr. Laura Choi

LOSE WEIGHT TO LIVE HEALTHIER

Here are four ways surgical weight loss can help you get on a path to better health and well-being: how you eat. “Bariatric surgery 1 Changing changes the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, restricting the amount of food you can eat or changing the route food takes through your body,” said Dr. Laura Choi, a board-certified bariatric surgeon and medical director of the Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery at Dr. Kendell Sowards Baytown. Weight loss surgery is a tool to help you lose weight, but it’s up to you to maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan for long-term success. Participating in an after-care program with support through nutrition, exercise and counseling can help you stay on track.

Controlling appetite. “Some types of bariatric surgery 2 involve removing a portion of the stomach where hormones that stimulate appetite are produced,” said Dr. Kendell Sowards, a board-certified bariatric surgeon at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital. “As a result, bariatric surgery may reduce the production of hormones that drive appetite and desire to eat.” It’s important to recognize the changes to your body and emotions, so you can build a healthy relationship with food.

Reducing health risks. “If you have health problems 3 associated with being overweight, the benefits of weight loss surgery aren’t just measured in pounds,” said Sowards. “Instead, success may be measured by improvement of health numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels.”

Losing excess weight can help your health in many ways:

Blood pressure and cholesterol – numbers can return to normal or near normal.

Cardiovascular health – reduced risk of death from heart attack and stroke.

Diabetes management – reduced need for insulin and related medications.

Joint pain – taking pressure off joints improves mobility and may allow reduced need for pain medications.

Sleep apnea – some people no longer use a CPAP machine at bedtime.

Improving quality of life. “Surgical weight loss can give you a new outlook on life,” shared Choi. “Losing weight may improve self-esteem and boost confidence in social interactions.”

Feeling good about losing weight can also improve emotional health and reduce depression. You may have increased energy levels, and the ability to engage in more physical activity, which helps fuel weight loss even more.

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PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE CARE ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY

Taking control of your weight can empower you to do things that once seemed impossible. The weight loss team at Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery at Baytown, including bariatric surgeons, doctors, dietitians, mental health professionals and endocrinologists, specializes in helping people achieve a healthier weight — and keep it off.

Take the Next Step To learn more about our weight loss programs or to schedule an appointment at the Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery at Baytown, visit houstonmethodist.org/weight-loss-surgery or call 832.556.6046.

8 LEADING MEDICINE IN EAST HOUSTON/BAYTOWN

TAKE CONTROL WITH MIGRAINE TREATMENTS

I

f you suffer from migraine headaches, you probably know what it’s like to spend hours or even days in a dark room coping with symptoms. A migraine headache may trigger Dr. Olga Brusil throbbing pain on one or both sides of your head, leaving you nauseated, vomiting or sensitive to light and sound. Dealing with migraine attacks can also be mentally and emotionally draining, especially when symptoms interfere with your daily life.

Researchers continue to learn about the science behind migraine headaches, and there are new and effective treatments

providing hope for better migraine management. The latest treatments and medical advancements can help combat migraine symptoms and prevent future attacks.

SPECIALIZED TREATMENT FOR MIGRAINES

“If migraine headaches disrupt your daily activities, you should see your doctor,” said Dr. Olga Brusil, neurologist at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital.

“A primary care physician may refer you to a neurologist who can help identify migraine triggers and offer treatments for your specific needs.” Depending on your symptoms and medical history, a combination of the following treatments may be helpful: Preventive medications. For people who suffer frequent migraines, preventive therapy may include drugs commonly prescribed to treat heart disease, such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers.

Prescription medications normally used to treat conditions, such as depression and seizures also may be helpful.

Monoclonal antibodies.

Newer drugs, called calcitonin

gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies, may be given via injection or intravenous (IV) infusion. This type of treatment given every one to three months may help manage severe cases of chronic headaches and migraines.

BOTOX® injections. “The same BOTOX, or botulinum toxin type A, used by plastic surgeons to treat facial wrinkles is also used to relieve chronic migraines,” shared Brusil. “With BOTOX treatment, I inject a tiny dose in certain areas of the head and neck to prevent migraine headaches.

BOTOX may be helpful for migraines in two ways: It prevents muscle tension that can trigger migraines, and it blocks nerves that signal pain.”

Alternative medicine. Nontraditional therapies may help relieve pain or reduce the number of migraines you have. Your doctor may encourage you to try the following as part of your treatment plan: Relaxation techniques, such as biofeedback, meditation and yoga.

Acupuncture, which involves having a practitioner insert thin needles into the skin in certain areas.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (talk therapy), which can help you understand how thoughts and behaviors may affect your response to pain.

Find Relief If you’re suffering from severe or chronic migraines, a neurologist or headache specialist at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital can help you find relief. Visit houstonmethodist.org/baytown or call 832.556.6535 to schedule your appointment today.

HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/BAYTOWN 9

Get Back in Rhythm Electrophysiology and Managing Arrhythmia

Y

ou probably know the feeling. Your heart races, pounds, flutters, pauses or skips a beat. Caused by abnormal electrical impulses in the heart, unusual heart rhythms — or arrhythmia — often are minor and harmless. However, long-lasting or more serious irregular rhythms can be dangerous and lead to cardiac arrest.

Dr. Akanibo Not all arrhythmias require treatment, Da-Wariboko but patients should manage those that cause significant symptoms, increase risk for a more serious condition or impair the heart’s efficiency and circulation. After a cardiologist diagnoses your arrhythmia, you may be referred to a cardiac electrophysiologist to manage your condition.

YOUR HEART’S ELECTRICIAN

A cardiac electrophysiologist specializes in the electrical impulses that regulate heart rhythm.

“All cardiologists have some training in electrophysiology,” said Dr. Akanibo Da-Wariboko, electrophysiologist with Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center at Baytown. “But electrophysiologists have two years of additional training dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders.”

Electrophysiologists perform tests, such as electrophysiology studies, or EP studies, to evaluate your heart’s electrical system and figure out the cause of your arrhythmia. Catheters — very thin tubes with electrodes — are placed in different areas of the heart. They record electrical signals of the heart's activity and allow testing of its function. An EP study determines: An arrhythmia’s source The effectiveness of certain medicines to control your heart rhythm Cardiac ablation procedure as a potential curative treatment of the arrhythmia Potential benefit of a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Heart Health Experts The specialists with Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center at Baytown use advanced techniques and evidence-based treatments to ensure your cardiovascular health.

To schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/baytown or call 281.837.7587.

10 LEADING MEDICINE IN EAST HOUSTON/BAYTOWN

ARRHYTHMIA TYPES

The treatment your electrophysiologist recommends will depend on the arrhythmia you have as well as other factors.

Arrhythmias include: Atrial fibrillation (AF) – The most common and known, complex atrial arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation (or AFib). The heart beats too fast and irregularly in the upper chambers, increasing stroke risk and heart failure.

Bradycardia – the heart beats too slowly, which can indicate another problem, including an underactive thyroid or a potassium imbalance. A heart attack or medications, such as beta blockers, also can cause the condition. Extreme bradycardia is treated with a pacemaker placement.

Tachycardia – the heart beats faster than normal.

Types include: P aroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT) – a fast heartbeat that suddenly starts and ends, often causing no problems. It’s more common in young people and may occur during exercise.

Supraventricular tachycardia – causes a benign and nonlife-threatening fast heartbeat. Also common among the young population.

Atrial flutter – involves one big reentry circuit in the upper chambers causing rapid heartbeats. Also, it may lead to predisposition to stroke and heart failure, if not treated adequately. The cure rate with a cardiac ablation procedure is greater than 90-95%.

Ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation – One of the most dangerous rhythms: the heart beats very fast or quivers rather than pumps, quickly leading to loss of consciousness or death, if not immediately treated with a shock to the heart. Patients at risk for this condition usually have cardiomyopathy (weak heart muscle) and have a defibrillator implanted.

TREATING YOUR ARRHYTHMIA

Arrhythmias fall into two categories. Simple arrhythmias, such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atrial tachycardias (AT) or atrial flutter (AFL), can be treated with a single ablation and have a very high success rate. Other arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AF) or ventricular tachycardia, are more complex.

“More complicated arrhythmias require longer procedures and personalized treatment plans that take into account a patient’s risk factors and health history as well as the source of the arrhythmia,” Da-Wariboko said.

Your electrophysiologist may recommend treatments, including: Vagal maneuvers – stimulation of the vagal nerves — the part of the nervous system regulating heart rate — slows heart rate and treats some tachycardia types. Maneuvers include holding your breath and bearing down (Valsalva maneuver), immersing your face in ice-cold water (diving reflex) and coughing. This maneuver is most effective in SVT.

FEELING LIGHTHEADED? Did your heart just skip a beat? You may have an arrhythmia.

The most common symptoms of arrhythmia include heart palpitations, a feeling your heart skipped a beat or it beats too hard. Other symptoms may include: A nxiety C hest pain E xcessive sweating F atigue or light-headedness L oss of consciousness or feeling faint S hortness of breath S low heartbeat or pauses between heartbeats

Medications – sodium channel blockers, beta blockers, potassium channel blockers, calcium channel blockers and digitalis may slow or suppress tachycardia. However, these drugs can produce side effects.

Lifestyle changes – more exercise, weight loss (5-10% of body weight) and less caffeine and alcohol can reduce arrhythmia episodes arising from underlying heart disease. More recent evidence points to obstructive sleep apnea playing a role in exacerbating arrhythmia, especially atrial fibrillation.

Catheter ablation – Cardiac ablation is the cornerstone work for electrophysiologists. Catheters threaded through blood vessels (usually the groin area) are advanced to the heart and deliver radiofrequency energy to destroy, or ablate, the part of the heart causing the arrhythmia. An electrophysiologist may perform the procedure during or after the EP study.

Da-Wariboko uses advanced technology to get a clear picture of the heart.

“With 3D mapping catheters, we can create a highly detailed view of the heart and display it on a computer screen,” Da-Wariboko said. “This mapping helps us track the catheters within the heart with amazing accuracy — less than 1 mm in three-dimensional space. This has allowed us to minimize the use of fluoroscopy, or X-rays, significantly to track catheters in the heart chambers and ablate more safely.”

This technology enhances the ability to perform highly accurate ablation procedures and treat most arrhythmias.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Tell your doctor about any arrhythmia symptoms, even those that pass quickly. Over time, a harmless arrhythmia could lead to a more serious condition.

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