Frequently Asked Questions
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I have been recommended to have a catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. I have been told there are different tools and techniques? What is catheter balloon cryoablation?
Watch the Answer »Dr. Amin Al-Ahmad Assistant Professor in Cardiovascular Medicine; Director, Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory
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I have been in atrial fibrillation for 10 years. I have become more and more tired and short of breath. Is it worth trying to get back to normal rhythm? Can catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation work?
Watch the Answer »Dr. Amin Al-Ahmad Assistant Professor in Cardiovascular Medicine; Director, Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory
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I have an implantable defibrillator. I have received multiple shocks from it. Is there anything I can do about this?
Watch the Answer »Dr. Henry Hsia - Associate Professor in Cardiovascular Medicine; Director, Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation Program
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I have been told I need catheter ablation for VT. How do you perform this?
Watch the Answer »Dr. Henry Hsia - Associate Professor in Cardiovascular Medicine; Director, Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation Program
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I have atrial fibrillation every few days. I really do not feel well in atrial fibrillation. Is there a role for catheter ablation?
Watch the Answer »Dr. Paul Zei Clinical Associate Professor; Chief, Cardiovascular Clinic
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I cannot take warfarin but I have had a stroke due to atrial fibrillation. Can anything be done?
Watch the Answer »Dr. Paul Zei Clinical Associate Professor; Chief, Cardiovascular Clinic
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I have many PVCs. I have tried to take medications but none of them work. Are there any alternatives?
Watch the Answer »Dr. Paul Zei Clinical Associate Professor; Chief, Cardiovascular Clinic
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Who should receive anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation? What is the CHADS2 scoring system?
Watch the Answer »Dr. Mintu Turakhia Instructor of Medicine, Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology, VA Palo Alto Health Care System
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Are there alternates to warfarin (or Coumadin) for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation?
Watch the Answer »Dr. Mintu Turakhia Instructor of Medicine, Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology, VA Palo Alto Health Care System
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I have POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). What kinds of symptoms are typical for POTS?
Watch the Answer »Dr. Karen Friday Clinical Professor (Affiliated)
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I have atrial fibrillation. Is it genetic?
Watch the Answer »Dr. Marco Perez Instructor of Medicine
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I have been told I have long QT syndrome. Are there certain medications I should avoid?
Watch the Answer »Dr. Marco Perez Instructor of Medicine
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I have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Do I need an implantable defibrillator?
Watch the Answer »Dr. Marco Perez Instructor of Medicine
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I have a defibrillator. What should I do if I get a shock? Multiple shocks?
Watch the Answer »Kelly Cook RN, NP Nurse Practitioner
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My doctor says that I have SVT? What is it?
Watch the Answer »Kelly Cook RN, NP Nurse Practitioner
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I am a patient currently receiving treatment at Stanford. If I am interested, how can I help support Stanfords work?
Watch the Answer »Dr. Paul Wang Professor of Medicine, Director of Stanford Arrhythmia Service
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What is the difference between a pacemaker and an ICD?
Watch the Answer »Dr. Paul Wang Professor of Medicine, Director of Stanford Arrhythmia Service
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What does a pacemaker change entail?
Watch the Answer »Dr. Paul Wang Professor of Medicine, Director of Stanford Arrhythmia Service
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How do I take my pulse? Is the pulse accurate?
Watch the Answer »Marcia Glassford RN, BSN Nurse Coordinator
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Why does it feel that I have a pause in my heart beat? Why does it feel like there is a strong beat after a pause?
Watch the Answer »Marcia Glassford RN, BSN Nurse Coordinator
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What is atrial fibrillation?
Watch the Answer »Angela Tsiperfal RN, MSN, CNS, NP Nurse Practitioner
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What symptoms do patients have with atrial fibrillation?
Watch the Answer »Angela Tsiperfal RN, MSN, CNS, NP Nurse Practitioner
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I have SVT. My doctor says I should get an ablation. What is a catheter ablation?
Watch the Answer »Angela Tsiperfal RN, MSN, CNS, NP Nurse Practitioner
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My doctor told me about a clinical study. What is a clinical study? What are some of the benefits?
Watch the Answer »Linda Norton RN, MSN, CCRC Nurse Research Manager
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How do I find out about clinical studies?
Watch the Answer »Linda Norton RN, MSN, CCRC Nurse Research Manager
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I am a patient receiving arrhythmia care at Stanford. How can I find out if I qualify for a clinical trial?
Watch the Answer »Sneha Bhamre MPH Research Assistant
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I have a pacemaker. What is the purpose of getting a pacemaker check?
Watch the Answer »Allysonne Smith RN Nurse Coordinator
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I am told I have decreased heart function, heart failure, and left bundle branch block. I am told I need a biventricular ICD. What is that?
Watch the Answer »Allysonne Smith RN Nurse Coordinator
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I have a pacemaker. What is the difference between a dual chamber pacemaker and a single chamber pacemaker?
Watch the Answer »Mustafa Yahya RN, MSN, CNS Device Nurse Coordinator
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What is the difference between a remote device check and an in-office pacemaker or ICD check?
Watch the Answer »Kaylyn Armstrong RN, MSN Device Nurse Coordinator
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How will I know when my procedure is scheduled? How will I know when to come? Will I need to stay overnight for my procedure?
Watch the Answer »Cynthia Ponce Procedure Scheduler
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I have an implantable defibrillator. What is the basic purpose of an ICD check?
Watch the Answer »Carlene Lutgu RN, BSN Device Nurse Coordinator
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I have a biventricular ICD. I still do not feel better. Is there anything that I can do?
Watch the Answer »Carlene Lutgu RN, BSN Device Nurse Coordinator