Cardiac electrophysiology

Overview

Diagram of normal sinus rhythm showing the electrical conduction system of the heart.

Cardiac electrophysiology is the study of the electrical properties and conduction pathways of the heart. It encompasses the understanding of the heart's electrical system, which is crucial for maintaining normal heart rhythm and function. The field involves the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias, which are disorders of the heart rate or rhythm.

Electrical Conduction System

The heart's electrical conduction system is responsible for generating and propagating electrical impulses that trigger heartbeats. The main components of this system include:

• The sinoatrial node (SA node), which is the natural pacemaker of the heart.
• The atrioventricular node (AV node), which acts as a gatekeeper, regulating the electrical impulses between the atria and ventricles.
• The bundle of His, which transmits impulses from the AV node to the ventricles.
• The Purkinje fibers, which distribute the electrical impulse throughout the ventricles, causing them to contract.

Electrophysiological Studies

Electrophysiological studies (EPS) are tests that help doctors understand the nature of abnormal heart rhythms. During an EPS, catheters are inserted into the heart through blood vessels to record electrical activity and to stimulate the heart to reproduce arrhythmias under controlled conditions.

Common Arrhythmias

Some common types of arrhythmias include:

• Atrial fibrillation
• Ventricular tachycardia
• Supraventricular tachycardia
• Bradycardia

Treatment Options

Treatment for arrhythmias may include:

• Medications such as beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs.
• Catheter ablation, a procedure that destroys small areas of heart tissue causing arrhythmias.
• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers, devices that help control abnormal heart rhythms.

Related Pages

• Cardiology
• Heart
• Electrocardiography
• Heart failure