Ventricular Arrhythmias

The heart's electrical system creates the signals that tell your heart when to beat. Electrophysiology (EP) is a specialization of medicine that focuses on the electrical behavior of the heart. Electrophysiologists are trained to perform cardiac electrophysiology studies to diagnose heart rhythm problems, known as arrhyhthmias as well as radiofrequency catheter ablation procedures to eliminate them.

Why Choose The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center?

The Electrophysiology Section at Ohio State’s Ross Heart Hospital consists of the largest group of electrophysiologists in Central Ohio as well as over 100 nursing staff members dedicated to the care of patients with heart rhythm problems. The Ross Heart Hospital has consistently been one of the largest electrophysiology centers in the country utilizing physician experience coupled with advanced mapping and ablation technology to manage the wide spectrum of heart rhythm problems. Ohio State’s electrophysiology program is the largest program in Ohio, and one of the top three in the nation, with extensive experience in managing a wide spectrum of heart rhythm problems.

What are Ventricular Arrhythmias?

Ventricular arrhythmias are abnormal rapid heart rhythms that start in the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles). Ventricular arrhythmias include ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Both are life threatening arrhythmias most commonly associated with heart attacks or scarring of the heart muscle from a previous heart attack.

• Ventricular tachycardia (VT): A condition in which an electrical signal is sent from the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart) at a very fast but often regular rate. If the heart rate is sustained at a high rate, you may feel weakness, fatigue, dizziness and palpitations. The rapid heart beat often causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and poor blood flow to the brain, resulting in loss of consciousness or fainting and may be life-threatening. If you experience VT, often times 911 is called and an electric shock to "convert" or stop the VT is required.
• Ventricular fibrillation (VF): A condition in which many electrical signals are sent from the ventricles at a very fast and erratic rate. As a result, the ventricles are unable to fill with blood and pump. This rhythm is life-threatening because there is no pulse and a complete loss of consciousness. If you experience VF, a prompt defibrillation (electrical shock) is necessary from 911 assistance or an automatic external defibrillator to restore the normal rhythm and beating of the heart. VF may cause sudden cardiac arrest and death.

What Causes Ventricular Arrhythmias?

Ventricular arrhythmias may be caused by:

• A variety of underlying cardiac conditions, including coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy
• Abnormal levels of electrolytes (minerals) in the blood
• Toxins such as alcohol
• Stimulants such as cocaine and some over-the-counter medications 
• Infection or inflammation of the heart muscle

Cardiologists

• Ralph Augostini, MD
• Ragavendra Baliga, MBBS
• Emile Daoud, MD
• Mahmoud Houmsse, MD
• John Hummel, MD
• Rami Kahwash, MD
• Steven Kalbfleisch, MD
• Zhenguo Liu, MD
• Charles Love, MD
• Mary Breckenridge, MD
• Debbra Debaets, MD
• Barry George, MD
• Arsad Karcic, MD
• Lawrence Murcko, MD
• Timothy Obarski, DO
• Raul Weiss, MD