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Abnormal Heart Rhythm

Cardiac Services BC coordinates the delivery of services to treat abnormal heart rhythm. These services are provided through the regional health authorities.

These services include electrophysiology, implantable cardiac rhythem devices and the BC Inherited Arrhythmia Program.

Electrophysiology procedures

Medical procedures related to abnormal heart rhythm, within the scope of
Cardiac Services BC, include diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis:

  • diagnostic electrophysiology study

Treatment:

  • cardiac ablation
Implantable cardiac rhythm devices

Treatment:

  • cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
  • cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
  • CRT pacemaker

BC Inherited Arrhythmia Program

Patients with an inherited heart rhythm condition are managed through the BC Inherited Arrhythmia Program (BCIAP)

BC Inherited Arrhythmia Program (BCIAP) (cardiacbc.ca)




About

These services include electrophysiology, implantable cardiac rhythem devices and the BC Inherited Arrhythmia Program.

Electrophysiology procedures

Medical procedures related to abnormal heart rhythm, within the scope of
Cardiac Services BC, include diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis:

  • diagnostic electrophysiology study

Treatment:

  • cardiac ablation
Implantable cardiac rhythm devices

Treatment:

  • cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
  • cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
  • CRT pacemaker

BC Inherited Arrhythmia Program

Patients with an inherited heart rhythm condition are managed through the BC Inherited Arrhythmia Program (BCIAP)

BC Inherited Arrhythmia Program (BCIAP) (cardiacbc.ca)


Program highlights

Thousands of British Columbians live with a cardiac implantable electronic device: a cardiac pacemaker, implantable cardio defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy device. These devices monitor and regulate abnormal heart rhythms. After implantation, patients require ongoing device surveillance, as well as battery changes every five to seven years. While every health authority has a hospital-based device clinic, visits can be difficult for patients, especially those traveling from rural or remote locations.


Procedure volumes

In 2014/15, BC's cardiac centres performed the following cardiac procedures, funded by Cardiac Services BC:

  • 2110 electrophysiology procedures (diagnostic electrophysiology study and cardiac ablation)
  • 996 implantable cardiac rhythm devices

We monitor multiple aspects of heart disease and health system statistics in BC, including wait times and patient outcomes for these procedures.

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SOURCE: Abnormal Heart Rhythm ( )
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