What is electrophysiology?

Electrophysiologic studies are procedures used to identify types of arrhythmias by testing the electrical activity of the heart in order to discover the origin of a certain abnormal cardiac rhythm.

What is the purpose of an electrophysiologic study?

• To determine the cause of an arrhythmia;
• To determine the degree of efficiency of certain medication in treating arrhythmias;
• To treat a certain condition by destroying the tissue inside the heart that is responsible for the abnormal electrical signals;
• To establish if a pacemaker or a cardiac defibrillator can represent a solution for the identified type of arrhythmia;
• To determine whether the patient presents with risks of sudden cardiac death due to cardiac arrest and if s/he does, to determine the degree of this risk.

How is it performed?

This type of procedure consists of introducing a catheter (a thin tube) through a blood vein, up to the inside of the heart. An electrode is used to send electrical signals to the heart and its activity is then monitored.

What recommendations do the patients receive after undergoing an electrophysiologic study?

The results of these tests help determine a correct diagnosis and, implicitly, an adequate treatment that can consist of medication, the implantation of a pacemaker, a cardiac defibrillator, ablation or surgery.