A specialized procedure used to diagnose and treat heart rhythm disorders, also known as arrhythmias. During these tests, physicians evaluate the electrical activity of the heart to identify any abnormalities that may be causing irregular heartbeats.
There are various types of electrophysiology tests, including:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This is a basic test that records the electrical activity of the heart using electrodes placed on the skin. It can help detect irregular heart rhythms and provide information about the heart’s overall health.
- Holter monitor: This is a portable ECG device that records the heart’s electrical activity over a 24- to 48-hour period. It is useful for detecting intermittent arrhythmias that may not be captured during a standard ECG.
- Event monitor: Similar to a Holter monitor, an event monitor is a portable device worn by the patient to record the heart’s electrical activity. However, it is activated by the patient when they experience symptoms, allowing for targeted monitoring during specific events.
- Electrophysiology study (EPS): This is an invasive procedure performed in a hospital’s electrophysiology laboratory. During an EPS, thin, flexible wires called catheters are inserted into blood vessels and threaded to the heart. Through these catheters, the electrophysiologist can map the heart’s electrical system and induce arrhythmias to identify their origin and determine the best treatment approach.
These tests play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing various heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia, among others. Treatment options may include medication, lifestyle changes, catheter ablation, pacemaker implantation, or cardioverter-defibrillator placement, depending on the specific arrhythmia and its underlying cause.