In an effort to expand the excellence in heart care and to offer better understanding, diagnosis and treatment to people with heart rhythm disorder, Fortis Hospitals adds a new dimension to its heart care programme by launching Arrhythmia Clinic - a comprehensive centre to treat heart rhythm disorders. The clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and is one stop shop to set the beat and rhythm of your heart back to normal.

We want to make sure we offer solution and meet the needs of all of our patients appropriately. Though Fortis Hospitals is recognized nationally and internationally for its excellence in cardiac care, now with the Arrhythmia Clinic it is a complete comprehensive heart care centre, Dr Vivek Jawali, chief cardiothoracic surgeon, Fortis Hospitals stated in a press conference.

The new Clinic is a dedicated centre with technical expertise to diagnose and treat simple to complex heart rhythm disorders commonly known as cardiac arrhythmias.

“Now patients who have rhythm problems can have easy access to Arrhythmia Clinic to correct their heart rhythm disturbances,” said Dr Lloyd Nazareth, COO, Fortis Hospitals.

Fortis Arrhythmia Clinic has cardiologists specialized in the field of electrophysiology (Electro physiologist), well trained in performing complex ablations and implanting ICDs, biventricular devices and pacemakers, anesthetists specialized in interventional cardiology and nurses specially trained in electrophysiology.

It will also feature 3D mapping (Ensite) system. This system will enable the electro physiologist to simultaneously create a detailed cardiac model and electrical map using multiple catheters and electrodes, which allow him to collect and display more relevant electrical information of the heart in a short period of time.

The other services offered at the centre are: Electrophysiology study and radiofrequency ablation (EPS & RFA). Complex Arrhythmia ablation (Atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia). Implantation of pacemakers, Defibrillators (AICD), Biventricular pacemakers (CRT/CRT-D), Loop recorders. Holter/Event recorders. Head up tilt table test and pacemaker and heart failure clinics.

Dr Shashidhar, electro physiologist, Fortis Hospitals, stated that cardiac Arrhythmia is a major health problem in our country. About 50% of deaths in patients with cardiovascular disease are due to ventricular arrhythmias. 30 million Indians had cardiovascular disease in 2003 and it is projected that this number will grow by three times by the year 2013. Atrial arrhythmias are also a major cause of morbidity and mortality. However, many of these can be prevented with better awareness of the conditions, accurate diagnosis and treatment at the right time to correct the disorder.