Electrophysiology - The Rhythm of Life

Nursing student Jessica Grogan is back in beat after undergoing cardiac ablation at MCG Health System.

In 2006, 21-year-old Jessica Grogan had left Georgia Tech, where she’d been studying engineering, to attend nursing school at MCG. But she was still somewhat torn by that decision, until she experienced the impact competent and compassionate caregivers can have on a patient’s life.

The physician who performed Jessica’s nursing school entry exam noticed that Jessica had an arrhythmia, or irregular heart beat, and referred her to Adam E. Berman, MD, an
electrophysiologist and director of MCG’s Cardiac Arrhythmia Ablation Services.

“I knew that I experienced palpations and an irregular heart beat at times, but I wasn’t concerned about it,” Jessica says.

After a series of tests, Dr. Berman diagnosed Jessica with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a type of arrhythmia common in young people. The condition results in bursts of
rapid heart beats that begin and end suddenly. In Jessica’s case, the SVT was caused by a patch of abnormal cells on her heart that frequently became hyperactive, causing very fast heart rhythms.

The condition was bothersome and caused Jessica to tire easily and sometimes feel short of breath – classic signs of arrhythmias – but did not pose a serious danger to her health. Dr. Berman gave Jessica three options: monitor the condition and wait, take medications to control her heart beat, or undergo a procedure known as cardiac ablation.

“I wasn’t in favor of medications and I didn’t want to wait, so I opted for ablation,” Jessica says.

During this outpatient procedure, Jessica was sedated while catheters were threaded through a blood vessel in her groin and up into her heart. Using 3-D cardiac mapping technology, Dr. Berman identified the area causing the arrhythmia then positioned a special catheter on that spot. An electrode on the tip of the catheter was cooled to freeze and eliminate the troublesome tissue. This painless technique is known as cryoablation lesion delivery.

“I felt the difference as soon as I awoke,” Jessica says. “Before the procedure, I had felt my heart beating in my chest, but afterwards I had to feel my wrist to pick up my heart beat.”

“Dr. Berman and everyone in the Electrophysiology Lab were just awesome,” Jessica says. “I have better stamina now, and I’m more active. This entire experience reinforced my decision to become a nurse and care for others.”

When to Seek Medical Care for Arrhythmias
Abnormal heart beats may cause noticeable symptoms such as skipping or fluttering in the chest or a slow or racing heart beat.

Other signs of arrhythmia may be related to diminished blood flow from the heart.

These include:
     • Chest pain or discomfort
     • Shortness of breath or wheezing
     • Lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical care right away.

Dr. Adam Berman

Dr. Berman is director of MCG’s Cardiac Arrhythmia Ablation Services.
He is board certified in cardiac electrophysiology, cardiovascular diseases, adult echocardiography and internal medicine.

For more information, please call 706-721-CARE (2273) or visit MCGHealth.org/Cardio.