Electrophysiology (Arrhythmia Care)

If you’re dealing with an abnormal heartbeat, you don’t have to travel far for expert electrophysiology care. You’ll receive advanced arrhythmia treatment close to home in Minnesota — care that’s nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report for high performance. That means you will get relief from chest pain, fainting, dizziness, shortness of breath and other symptoms for more peace of mind and a path to feeling like yourself again.

Doctors & Care Team Locations

Diagnosing Irregular Heart Rhythms

We can detect arrhythmia with these tests, technology and procedures:

  • Echocardiogram (Echo) – Uses sound waves to show images of the heart
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – Shows how fast or slow the heart is beating by measuring your heart’s electrical activity
  • Electrophysiology (EP) study – Places a thin tool with an electrode into your blood vessels and moves it up to your heart to map its electrical signals
  • Event recording – Portable ECG device that you wear for 30 days or until an arrhythmia happens
  • Holter monitor – Records your heart’s activity through a portable ECG device that you wear for a day or two
  • Loop recorder – Places a device in your chest to record your heartbeat for up to three years
Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Accredited Facility Cardiac Electrophysiology

Accredited Electrophysiology Labs

You can feel confident you’ll receive high-quality care at CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center. That’s because its three dedicated electrophysiology labs in St. Cloud have accreditation from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission. This seal shows our commitment to quality and ongoing improvement. We’re the only program in Minnesota and one of just 22 sites in the nation to earn this seal.

Personalized Care Plan

Your care team will work with you to create a treatment plan for your type of arrhythmia. When possible, we start with nonsurgical options, such as medications.

Procedures & Treatments

Your doctor can treat irregular heart rhythms with:

  • Catheter ablations – Eliminate a small amount of heart tissue to block irregular heart signals and restore a normal heartbeat
  • Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) – Places an electrical device under your skin that can stop a life-threatening arrhythmia
  • Pacemaker – Puts a small device in your chest to keep your heart beating steadily at the right pace

If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Technology can be a helpful tool, but it isn’t the final answer. If you’re concerned, it’s always best to get it checked out.

— John Hering, MD

Read Dr. Hering’s Story

AFib can be very life-threatening if you ignore it.
— Jeff Stake

Read Jeff’s Story

Pacemaker & ICD Clinic

When you choose CentraCare for arrhythmia treatment, you’ll benefit from:

  • Care near you, with locations in Alexandria, Baxter, St. Cloud and Willmar
  • Care from a dedicated team that ensures your device works correctly to best meet your needs
  • Experienced doctors and one of the largest programs in Minnesota. Each year, our clinic monitors 6,600 patients and performs 35,000 device checks remotely or in person

Atrial Fibrillation Management Program

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) refers to irregular, fast beats in your heart's upper chambers (atria). Expect your team to help you manage AFib symptoms and prevent stroke and heart failure by:

  • Monitoring your heart
  • Creating a custom treatment plan
  • Providing education and support to you and your family

Research

CentraCare takes part in clinical trials, giving you access to new treatments. These include the Medtronic Micra™ Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS), the world’s smallest pacemaker. CentraCare was one of only 70 sites worldwide to first offer this breakthrough technology.

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Locations

Explore our health care facilities conveniently located throughout the region.

Upcoming Events

  • May
    20
    Wednesday
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    Join us May 20 for a special cooking demonstration that reimagines classic summer recipes.
  • Ongoing
    Mended Hearts group helps people understand they can have a rich, rewarding life with heart disease.
  • Ongoing
    The My Heart Support Group is a group for people living with heart failure. The group meets monthly on the third Tuesday in St. Cloud, Melrose or online.

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