Electrophysiology

What is electrophysiology?

Electrophysiology is the study of the electrical activity in the heart. An electrophysiology study will be performed by an electrophysiologist – a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating problems with the heart’s electrical system.

An electrophysiologist will use small tunes, called cardiac catheters, and computers to take an electrocardiogram (EKG). An EKG provides electrical measurements from the heart.

By studying the electrical activity of the heart, the doctor can see if there is a problem with the signals that regulate the heartbeat. If there is a problem with these signals, your heart won’t be beating in the way it should. This is called an abnormal heart rhythm, or arrythmia, which causes the heart to beat too fast (atrial fibrillation), too slow (bradycardia), or in an irregular way (atrial flutter).

Why is an electrophysiology study performed?

During an electrophysiology study, your doctor may reproduce your arrhythmia and give you medications to see which one controls the irregular rhythm most effectively. The study can also show how well your existing medication has been working.

An electrophysiology study can show the cause of an abnormal rhythm and where it originates from. The study may also indicate how likely you are to suffer from cardiac arrest.

Electrophysiology studies are usually performed when other heart tests, such as echocardiograms (ECG), stress tests or angiograms, haven’t provided enough detail to evaluate the abnormal heart rhythm.

How is an electrophysiology study performed?

Before an electrophysiology study is performed, you will be given specific instructions to follow and medications to take. Always discuss any medication you are currently taking with your doctor.

You will be told not to eat or drink anything from midnight on the night before your procedure. On the day, wear comfortable clothing, remove all make up and don’t wear any jewelry.

The study will take place in an electrophysiology laboratory, also known as a catheterization lab, cath lab or EP lab. An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into a vein in the arm or hand, which will deliver drugs and fluids into the blood during the study. A mild sedative may be given to help you relax. The study takes several hours to perform.

Throughout the study, doctors will use several monitors to check your heart rhythm and other factors. Monitors used may include:

• Blood pressure monitor: Connected to a cuff on the arm, it monitors blood pressure throughout the electrophysiology study.
• Defibrillator: Connected via patches placed on your back and chest, this allows your doctor to control your heart rate if it’s too slow, or too fast.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Via electrode patches on the chest and inside the heart, an EKG gives an overview of the electrical impulses traveling through the heart.
• Fluoroscopy: An X-ray machine which helps doctors to see where the catheters are placed during the procedure.
• Oximeter monitor: A clip on the finger which checks the blood’s oxygen level.

The Procedure:

The area in which the catheters will be inserted is numbed and then the narrow tubes are inserted. This is usually in the groin, arm or neck. The fluoroscopy machine guides the catheters to the heart, where they record the heart’s electrical activity.

A pacemaker gives the heart electrical impulses via a catheter to increase its heart rate. Catheter ablation may be used to damage any abnormal electrical connections which are known to be causing irregular heartbeat signals.

Your doctor will ask about any symptoms felt during the study and may provide medications see how effective they are at regulating the heartbeat.

After the procedure, the catheters are removed and you will stay in bed for a few hours. You will be able to resume normal activities the next day.

Are there any risks associated with an electrophysiology study?

Electrophysiology studies are generally very safe, but as with any invasive, there are risks. Electrophysiologists are experts in performing the studies and are able to mitigate the risks as much as possible. Risks may include:

• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Bleeding at catheter insertion site
• Blood clot
• Blood vessel injury
• Heart attack
• Heart valve or heart chamber injury
• Infection at the site of catheter insertion
• Stroke.

Electrophysiology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Electrophysiology is one of a number of technologically advanced cardiac diagnostic and treatment options available at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Ou electrophysiologists are experts in performing safe yet comprehensive electrophysiology studies. It is an advanced, invasive procedure, but our team of experts ensure your comfort at all times. The results of your electrophysiology study will help doctors to determine the cause of your heart’s abnormal rhythm.

 

Healthier Hearts, Together

Heart disease remains the UAE’s biggest killer. But there are many things you can do to protect yourself.

From helping you to adopt a healthier lifestyle and understanding your risk, to offering the very latest in advanced treatment, in even the most complex of cases, our heart and vascular team are here to support you on the journey to a healthier heart.

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