Electrophysiology

What is Electrophysiology?

Electrophysiology is a specialized branch of cardiology that focuses on the electrical activities of the heart. Electrophysiologists are cardiologists who diagnose and treat heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) by studying the electrical impulses that control the heartbeats. The heart’s electrical system is crucial for maintaining a regular heart rate and rhythm, and any abnormalities in this system can lead to serious health issues.

Electrophysiology encompasses several advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to manage and treat heart rhythm disorders. The main types of treatments in electrophysiology include:

1. Electrophysiology Study (EPS):
   • An electrophysiology study is a test that involves inserting catheters into the heart to record its electrical activity. This helps in diagnosing arrhythmias and determining their origin.
2. Catheter Ablation:
   • Catheter ablation is a procedure that destroys small areas of heart tissue causing abnormal electrical signals. Radiofrequency energy or cryotherapy is used to create scars that block these signals, restoring normal heart rhythm.
3. Pacemaker Implantation:
   • A pacemaker is a small device implanted under the skin that sends electrical impulses to the heart to maintain a regular rhythm. It is used for conditions like bradycardia (slow heart rate).
4. Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD):
   • An ICD is a device similar to a pacemaker but designed to detect and treat life-threatening arrhythmias by delivering shocks to restore normal heart rhythm. It is used for conditions like ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
5. Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT):
   • CRT involves the implantation of a special type of pacemaker that coordinates the contractions of the heart’s ventricles, improving the efficiency of the heart in patients with heart failure and arrhythmias.
6. Electrical Cardioversion:
   • Electrical cardioversion is a procedure where controlled electrical shocks are delivered to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. It is often used for atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
7. Loop Recorder Implantation:
   • A loop recorder is a small device implanted under the skin to continuously monitor the heart’s electrical activity over an extended period. It helps in diagnosing intermittent arrhythmias.
8. Holter Monitor:
   • A Holter monitor is a portable device worn by the patient to continuously record the heart’s electrical activity for 24-48 hours, helping in diagnosing transient arrhythmias.
9. Tilt Table Test:
   • This test helps diagnose the cause of unexplained fainting (syncope) by monitoring the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure while they are tilted at different angles on a table.
10. Pharmacological Therapy:
    • Medications such as antiarrhythmics, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers are used to manage and control heart rhythm disorders. These drugs can help maintain a normal heart rhythm and prevent episodes of arrhythmia