Electrophysiology Specialist

What is electrophysiology?

Cardiac electrophysiology is a specialized area of medicine focused on the electrical system that controls the rhythm of your heart. The team at Naples Heart Rhythm Specialists, P.A., includes electrophysiology experts who received additional training to be able to diagnose and treat arrhythmias.

Arrhythmia refers to an abnormal heartbeat, which includes a heartbeat that’s irregular, too slow, or too fast. While an arrhythmia isn’t always a serious medical condition, changes in the rhythm of your heart can be signs of serious heart issues. 

Abnormalities may develop due to changes in the electrical activity in your heart. For example, ventricular tachycardia refers to a rapid heartbeat that develops due to changes in the electrical activity in your ventricle. While the rhythm abnormality can be fleeting for some people, for others ventricular tachycardia can cause the heart to stop.

What is an electrophysiology study?

The electrophysiology study is a procedure that assesses the electrical activity in your heart. The cardiologists at Naples Heart Rhythm Specialists, P.A., use the results of this study to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias. 

During the study, catheters and wire electrodes are placed in the blood vessels that lead to your heart to measure its electrical activity. To assess the heart’s activity, your doctor sends small electrical impulses through the catheters into your heart. The activity is then picked up by the catheters and recorded, which helps the team to identify the source of your arrhythmia. 

Depending on your need, the procedure may be conducted under sedation to ease any anxiety. The electrophysiology study can take 1-4 hours, and you may need to modify your activity for up to 24 hours following the test. 

What happens after electrophysiology?

The electrophysiology team uses the information gathered during your electrophysiology study to design the most effective treatment plan. Your treatment may include the placement of a defibrillator or pacemaker or a procedure called catheter ablation. The catheter ablation uses radiofrequency energy to place scars on the heart tissue, which alters the electrical signal to restore a more normal heart rhythm.

After your treatment plan is in place, the team makes adjustments as needed to manage your heart rhythm.

To learn more about electrophysiology, call Naples Heart Rhythm Specialists, P.A., or request an appointment online today.