What is Cardiac Electrophysiology Consultation?
Cardiac Electrophysiology Consultation is a specialized area of cardiology that focuses on diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders, also known as arrhythmias. During a cardiac electrophysiology consultation, a cardiologist who specializes in this field will review the patient’s medical history, perform a physical exam, and order diagnostic tests as needed to evaluate the heart’s electrical activity.
Patients with symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or fainting spells or diagnosed with an arrhythmia should consult a cardiac electrophysiologist. Patients with a family history of heart rhythm disorders or sudden cardiac death may also benefit.
The electrophysiologist will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order diagnostic tests as needed to evaluate your heart’s electrical activity. These tests may include an electrocardiogram, Holter monitor, or event monitor.
An EPS is a procedure used to evaluate the heart’s electrical activity and identify the source of an arrhythmia. The electrophysiologist inserts a catheter into a blood vessel and threads it up to the heart. The catheter delivers electrical signals to the heart, which can trigger an arrhythmia. The electrophysiologist can then map the heart’s electrical activity and pinpoint the source of the arrhythmia.
Treatments for heart rhythm disorders include medication, lifestyle changes, or procedures such as catheter ablation or implantation of a pacemaker or defibrillator.
A cardiac electrophysiology consultation can provide valuable information about the type and severity of your heart rhythm disorder. It can help you and your healthcare provider develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your condition and improve your quality of life.