Cardiac electrophysiology is a specialised branch of cardiology that focuses on the electrical activity of the heart. It plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders, such as arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation. This field utilises various diagnostic tools and procedures to assess and modulate the heart's electrical pathways, ensuring that the heart beats in a regular and coordinated manner. Cardiac electrophysiology significantly contributes to improving patient's quality of life by managing and correcting electrical abnormalities of the heart.
There are a range of diagnostic tools used in cardiac electrophysiology to evaluate heart rhythm disorders. Each serves a specific purpose in identifying and understanding arrhythmias and related conditions.
Non-invasive tests like ECG, Holter, and event monitors record the heart's electrical activity to diagnose arrhythmias.
EPS involves catheter insertion to analyse the heart's electrical signals, guiding treatment for complex arrhythmias.
This test helps diagnose the cause of fainting by monitoring your blood pressure and heart rate.
Cardiac MRI and CT provide detailed images to diagnose structural and electrical issues in the heart.
Genetic testing identifies hereditary factors contributing to arrhythmias, aiding in personalised treatment decisions.
Cardiac electrophysiology procedures are designed to address irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). These interventions often involve minimally invasive techniques, such as catheter ablation or the implantation of devices like pacemakers and defibrillators. Aiming to restore or regulate the heart’s electrical activity, electrophysiology procedures ensure the heart functions properly and enhance patient’s overall well-being.
Cardiac electrophysiological procedures address the following diseases and conditions:
Characterised by irregular and rapid atrial heart rhythms.
Abnormally fast and chaotic ventricular heart rhythms.
Slow heart rate, often requiring pacemaker implantation.
Rapid heart rhythms originating above the ventricles.
Extra electrical pathways leading to arrhythmias.
Abnormal electrical pathways in the heart's AV node.
A condition where the heart muscle is replaced by fat and scar tissue, leading to arrhythmias.