Electrophysiology Services
Your heart has its own electrical system, and when that system goes off course, it can affect every part of your daily life. Fatigue, a racing heartbeat, dizziness, or a fluttering sensation in your chest may be signs that your heart’s rhythm needs attention. At Richmond Heart and Vascular Associates, our board-certified electrophysiologists specialize in identifying and treating these conditions so you can feel more like yourself again.
What Is Electrophysiology?
Electrophysiology (EP) is the branch of cardiology focused on the heart’s electrical activity. Your heartbeat starts with an electrical signal that travels through the heart in a precise sequence, causing the chambers to contract in a coordinated pattern. When that signal misfires, travels out of order, or bypasses normal pathways, the result is an abnormal heart rhythm also called an arrhythmia.
An electrophysiologist is a cardiologist with additional specialized training in diagnosing and treating these rhythm disorders. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to understand the electrical signals in your heart and recommend the most effective treatment path for your specific condition.
When to See a Heart Rhythm Specialist
Heart rhythm problems can present in many ways. Some patients feel obvious symptoms. Others notice only a vague sense that something is not quite right.
Consider scheduling an evaluation if you are experiencing any of the following:
Palpitations, fluttering, or pounding in your chest
Fainting or near-fainting spells (syncope)
An irregular heartbeat you can feel
A diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AFib)
A racing heart that comes on suddenly or without a clear cause
Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially with exertion
Unexplained shortness of breath
These symptoms do not always point to a serious condition, but they deserve a thorough evaluation. Early diagnosis allows for more treatment options and a better outcome.
Our Electrophysiology Services
Richmond Heart and Vascular Associates offers a full range of electrophysiology services, from diagnostic evaluation through advanced procedures and long-term device management. Below are the core services our EP team provides.
AFib Ablation
Atrial fibrillation ablation is a minimally invasive procedure designed to correct the disorganized electrical signals that cause AFib. When medications have not provided lasting relief, ablation offers a more direct solution by targeting the source of the abnormal rhythm. Most patients are discharged the same day from our on-site Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Electrical Cardioversion
Electrical cardioversion uses a brief, precisely timed electrical pulse to reset the heart and restore a normal rhythm. It is a planned outpatient procedure performed under sedation, not the same as emergency defibrillation. Cardioversion is commonly used to treat AFib, atrial flutter, and other sustained arrhythmias that have not responded to medication.
Pacemakers and Device Clinic
For patients whose hearts beat too slowly, too irregularly, or need additional support, we offer the full range of cardiac device implantation and ongoing management.
- Pacemakers: Small implanted devices that detect when the heart rate drops too low and send a gentle electrical signal to restore normal pacing.
- ICDs (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators): Devices that monitor for dangerously fast rhythms and deliver a corrective shock if needed, providing a critical safety net for patients at elevated risk.
- CRT Devices (Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy): Specialized pacemakers that coordinate the timing of the heart's lower chambers, improving pumping efficiency in certain patients with heart failure.
- ILRs (Implantable Loop Recorders): Thin monitoring devices placed just beneath the skin that record the heart's electrical activity continuously for up to three years, capturing arrhythmias that shorter monitors often miss.
- Once you have an implanted device, our Device Clinic provides both in-office checkups and remote monitoring so we can review your device data between appointments. Many routine checks happen wirelessly, without requiring an extra trip to the office.
Your PCP Sent You Here. You're in Good Hands.
If your primary care doctor has referred you to a cardiologist, we make the transition easy. We coordinate directly with your referring physician and return full documentation after every visit so your whole care team stays informed.
Schedule Your First Appointment
Schedule your first appointment online or by phone. We will handle the rest. Our team will reach out to coordinate your referral paperwork and any records we need.
Why Choose Richmond Heart and Vascular Associates
- Board-certified electrophysiologists with focused expertise in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of heart rhythm disorders
- On-site Ambulatory Surgery Center designed specifically for cardiac procedures
- Three convenient locations in Chesterfield, Mechanicsville and Hopewell
- Multispecialty cardiovascular team so your arrhythmia care is coordinated with your broader heart health
- Ongoing device monitoring for patients with implanted cardiac devices
- Over 30 years of trusted care in Central Virginia, with consistent physician access and continuity built in