We offer specialised care for patients with arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms through electrophysiology (EP) studies and related procedures, including:
- Pacemaker Implantation – To correct slow heart rhythms by delivering regular electrical impulses to the heart.
- Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) – A life-saving device for patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest due to ventricular arrhythmias.
- Radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia
- Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT)
Our EP team combines experience with sophisticated 3D mapping tools and imaging guidance to ensure accuracy and safety during all rhythm correction procedures.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An ECG is one of the most common and essential cardiology tests for heart conditions. It records the electrical activity of the heart and helps detect:
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Past heart attacks
- Signs of coronary artery disease
It is a quick, painless, noninvasive test, often used as the first line of diagnosis in patients with chest pain or palpitations.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to produce detailed images of the heart. It helps assess:
- Heart chamber size and function
- Valve abnormalities
- Congenital heart defects
- Fluid around the heart
This test is crucial in determining the structure and pumping efficiency of the heart.
Stress Test
The stress test is one of the important cardiology stress test types used to evaluate how well your heart functions during physical activity. There are different types:
- Treadmill stress test (exercise ECG)
- Pharmacological stress test (for patients who cannot exercise)
- Stress echocardiogram
Stress tests help diagnose blockages in the coronary arteries and evaluate symptoms such as chest discomfort or shortness of breath.
Holter Monitor
A Holter monitor is a portable ECG device worn for 24 to 48 hours, allowing continuous monitoring of the heart's electrical activity. It is used to detect:
- Intermittent arrhythmias
- Silent heart attacks
- Response to heart medications
This test provides more comprehensive information than a standard ECG, especially for people with unexplained palpitations or fainting episodes.
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure where a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart. It helps assess:
- Coronary artery blockages
- Heart pressures and oxygen levels
- Valve function and congenital defects
This procedure is often combined with angiography (contrast dye + X-ray imaging) to provide a full view of the coronary arteries.
Angioplasty and Stent Placement
Also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), this is a common procedure to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. It involves:
- Inserting a catheter with a small balloon to open the blockage
- Placing a stent to keep the artery open
This procedure restores normal blood flow and significantly reduces the risk of heart attack.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
CABG is a type of open-heart surgery for patients with severe coronary artery disease. The surgeon uses blood vessels from the leg, arm, or chest to create new pathways around blocked arteries. It:
- Improves blood flow to the heart
- Reduces angina symptoms
- Lowers risk of future heart attacks
Apollo Nellore has highly skilled cardiac surgeons with strong outcomes in CABG procedures.
Pacemaker Implantation
A pacemaker is a small device implanted under the skin to regulate abnormal heart rhythms, especially bradycardia (slow heartbeat). It sends electrical signals to the heart when it detects an irregular rhythm.
Patients often return to normal activities within a few days and benefit from improved heart rate and quality of life.
Defibrillator Implantation
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are used for patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest due to life-threatening arrhythmias. An ICD:
- Detects dangerous rhythms like ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation
- Delivers a shock to restore normal rhythm
- Monitors heart activity continuously
Apollo Hospitals uses modern defibrillators with advanced programming and remote monitoring capabilities.