Electrophysiology

What is Electrophysiology (EP)? 

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.

What is Cardiac Arrythmia? 

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.

What Causes Cardiac Arrythmia? 

Cardiac arrhythmias in adults 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.