Electrophysiology is the branch of neuroscience that explores the electrical properties of biological cells and tissue. Cardiac Electrophysiology is the field of assessing the heart’s electrical system and activity, as well as the treatment of any heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias).
Common Cardiac Electrophysiology Conditions
Below are some of the cardiac electrophysiology conditions, such as:
- Abnormally slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
- Abnormally fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Irregular heartbeat originates in the upper chamber of heart (atrial fibrillation)
- Extra heartbeat originates in the upper or lower chambers of heart (atrial or ventricular ectopic beats)
- Palpitation
Diagnosis and Treatment
Abnormal heartbeats can be diagnosed using several tools such as stress testing, electrocardiogram, echo-cardiogram, implantable loop recorder, 24/48-hour Holter monitor and electrophysiology study (EPS). Apart from lifestyle modification, abnormal heartbeats can be treated with a pacemaker, cardioversion as well as catheter ablation. Some mild abnormal heartbeats can simply be treated with medication.
