Electrophysiology

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Electrophysiology (EP) studies and corrective procedures relating to the nature of irregular heart beats or “cardiac arrhythmias” are done in a cardiac catheterization lab. Heart beats are regulated by electrical pulses, which usually travel in a regular pattern through a cardiovascular system, but sometime are too slow (Bradycardia), too fast (Tachycardia), or irregular in other ways.

Symptoms of a cardiac arrhythmia can include palpitations, dizziness or fainting spells. Long term, a cardiac arrhythmia can lead to heart disease, fatigue, stroke and congestive heart failure. Cardiac arrhythmias in adults are typically arise when there is damage to the heart tissue resulting from a heart attack, aging and/or high blood pressure. People with otherwise healthy hearts can also develop an irregular heartbeat but it is rare.

If you or a loved one have cardiac arrhythmia, we can help. Several UnityPoint Health locations have electrophysiologists who specialize in the electrical conduction system of the heart.