Advanced Heart Rhythm Care Now at Sarah Bush Lincoln
During American Heart Month, Sarah Bush Lincoln reminds the Effingham area that advanced life-saving care is close to home. Heart rhythm problems, known as arrhythmias, can affect every part of life, whether the heart races, skips beats or slows down too much. These conditions can increase the risk of stroke or heart failure if left untreated. That’s where the arrival of electrophysiology (EP) services at Sarah Bush Lincoln come into play.
What is Electrophysiology?
Electrophysiology is a specialized field of cardiology that focuses on diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders. These can range from atrial fibrillation (Afib) and atrial flutter to supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), slow rhythms that may require pacemakers and dangerous ventricular arrhythmias that sometimes need defibrillators.
To diagnose these conditions, specialists perform an Electrophysiology (EP) study, an invasive but nonsurgical procedure that assesses the heart’s electrical system. During the one-to-two-hour study, a doctor uses X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) to place thin wires in the heart that record and measure electrical activity. Specialists may use pacing, stimulation or medications to induce and identify the source of abnormal rhythms.
While medications can help, many patients benefit from advanced procedures like ablation, which targets abnormal electrical signals in the heart. Sarah Bush Lincoln offers pulsed field ablation, one of the newest technologies for treating Afib, which uses electrical fields to safely isolate problem areas while protecting nearby tissue. For patients at risk of stroke who cannot take long-term blood thinners, the Watchman device is another option available at Sarah Bush Lincoln.
More Than Technology
While the technology is advanced, heart rhythm care is about more than procedures. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising, eating a heart-healthy diet and quitting smoking can reduce the severity or frequency of arrhythmias. Even modest weight loss as little as 10% can significantly decrease Afib episodes. Wearable devices like smartwatches can also alert patients to irregular rhythms, but the most important step is to talk with a primary care provider if something feels off.
Advanced Care, Close to Home
Until now, many patients had to travel hours away for electrophysiology care. This new program is not only helping patients live longer and healthier lives, but also ensuring they can receive compassionate care without leaving their community. Learn more about Sarah Bush Lincoln heart care options at https://www.sarahbush.org/theheartcenter/ or call 217-258-2525.
Meet the Electrophysiology Team at SBL
Mohamed Labedi, MD, brings years of training and experience as a cardiologist and electrophysiologist. He is especially passionate about building EP services in rural areas so patients do not have to travel far for care. His philosophy centers on honesty, transparency and shared decision-making.
Abraham Kocheril, MD, a nationally recognized cardiologist and electrophysiologist, was a pioneer of early Afib ablation techniques in the 1990s. With decades of experience, he continues to participate in clinical trials and brings expertise in procedures such as laser lead extraction, advanced ablation technologies and cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
Yantis, APRN, a local native, returned home to join the cardiology team at SBL. He focuses on helping patients understand their conditions, navigate treatment options and follow through with care after procedures. He emphasizes that having EP locally means patients can be diagnosed and treated sooner often improving outcomes.
