Cardiac electrophysiology is designed to detect, diagnose, and treat heart
conditions involving the electrical activity of the human heart. Electrophysiology
studies are tests to diagnose issues of the heart’s electrical system,
called arrhythmias, which cause heart rhythm abnormalities. These arrhythmias
cause the heart to beat erratically, usually either too slowly or too
fast, which can create serious problems.While some arrhythmias cause no
symptoms and are harmless, others can lead to a life-threatening cardiac
emergency.
In healthy people, the heart muscle produces electrical impulses in a predictable
pattern that causes the heart to contract and pump blood at a steady pace.
If these electrical signals are disturbed, then the heart rhythm becomes
irregular and heart functions are compromised. This can lead to sudden
cardiac arrest, when the heart stops beating.
Our cardiac electrophysiologists in Bakersfield treat patients with the
following conditions, among others:
Atrial fibrillation
Bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rhythm)
Tachycardia (abnormally fast heart rhythm) , including ventricular and
supraventricular tachycardia
Ventricular fibrillation
Sudden cardiac arrest
Long QT syndrome
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome
What to Expect During a Study
During the procedure, you will lie on your back on an examination table.
A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area where a catheter
will be inserted, and you may be given a mild sedative to relax you, as
well. Electrodes are placed on the chest to help monitor your heart rhythm,
and a thin electrical wire will be inserted into a blood vessel nearby.
This electrode is passed through the blood vessel and into the heart which
sends electrical signals to your heart that make the heart beat at different
speeds, so your doctor can listen for abnormalities.
The test takes about 2 to 4 hours to complete, sometimes longer, depending
on what your cardiologist is looking for in the test. If no additional
procedures are needed, you may be able to go home after about 6 hours.
The results of the study will be reviewed with you once they are available,
within a few days.
