Electrophysiology Studies
Peter Nalos, MD, FACC and FACP
An electrophysiology (EP) study is a test done at the hospital where electrode
catheters (long flexible wires) are introduced into the veins and placed under
X-ray guidance into the heart. They are used to study abnormal heart rhythms
under controlled situations to diagnose what the specific problem with your
heart's electrical system may be that could lead to episodes of a racing
heartbeat or fainting. The study is a diagnostic test which can be accompanied
by the infusion of medications to test what therapies are best and also in
conjunction with radiofrequency ablation.
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The Heart's Electrical System
The heart is a muscle and its function is to pump blood; however, it has
electrical impulses which start off in the right atrium at the sinus node.
These are a group of cells which are specialized in starting the natural
pacemaker rhythm of the heartbeat. The atrium contracts after this impulse and
the electrical signals spread across the atrium to a structure called the AV
node. The AV node is located between the atrium and the ventricles and this is
where the impulses go to spread out to the ventricles through the bundle
branches. Patients may have abnormal heart rhythms, also called arrhythmias,
where the change in the speed and the pattern of heartbeat may be abnormal (too
fast, too slow, or irregular) and patients can feel this as causes of
lightheadedness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Some arrhythmias
may be life-threatening and lead to cardiac arrest if they occur in the lower
chamber and are extremely rapid.
Peter Nalos, MD, FACC and FACP
- is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Subspecialty Board of
Cardiolovascular Diseases. Doctor Nalos is a Fellow of the American College of
Cardiology. Dr. Nalos is certified by and a member of NASPE (North American
Society of Physician Electrophysiologists).
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Tetsuo Ishimori, MD
