What is electrophysiology (EP)?
The human heart has three main components: the “pump” which is the main muscular mass of the heart, the “plumbing” which is the sum of all the arteries through which the blood flows and the “electrical system” that generates and regulates its rhythm. Electrophysiology is the branch of cardiology that deals with problems related to the electrical system of the heart. Symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm include: • Weakness • Dizziness • Fainting or black-outs • Fluttering in the chest or palpitations • Shortness of breath • Chest pain, pressure or discomfort How is an electrophysiology study done? The EP Lab is similar to the laboratory used for heart catheterization. During the procedure, the patient is given medications to induce sleep. Special hollow tubes, called catheters, are placed in strategic areas of the heart. These catheters record electrical activity inside the heart and allow an electrophysiologist to artificially “pace” the heart. An X-ray machine allows the physician to
