About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Cardiac Electrophysiological Study (EPS)
Introduction
A Cardiac Electrophysiological Study (EPS) is a specialized test used to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart. It helps diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and assess the effectiveness of certain treatments. This procedure is performed by electrophysiologists, who specialize in heart rhythm disorders.
Why is an EPS Needed?
EPS is recommended for:
- Diagnosing unexplained fainting (syncope)
- Identifying the cause of palpitations
- Evaluating the risk of sudden cardiac arrest
- Assessing the necessity of pacemakers or defibrillators
- Checking the success of catheter ablation therapy
How is EPS Performed?
EPS is an invasive procedure performed in a specialized lab. The main steps include:
- Insertion of Catheters - Thin tubes (catheters) are inserted through the veins in the groin or neck and guided to the heart.
- Electrical Stimulation - Small electrical impulses are delivered to study how the heart reacts.
- Recording Electrical Activity - The heart’s responses are recorded to detect abnormal rhythms.
- Treatment Options - If an arrhythmia is detected, a catheter ablation (burning or freezing the abnormal area) may be performed.
Risks and Considerations
Although EPS is generally safe, potential risks include:
- Bleeding or infection at the catheter insertion site
- Arrhythmias that require emergency treatment
- Rare complications such as blood clots or cardiac perforation
Recovery and Follow-Up
- After the procedure, patients may need several hours of monitoring.
- Most return to daily activities within a day or two.
- If additional treatment is needed, such as antiarrhythmic medication, pacemakers, or ablation, the doctor will discuss next steps.
Conclusion
EPS is a valuable tool to diagnose and treat heart rhythm disorders effectively. If your doctor recommends an EPS, it’s important to understand the benefits and risks to make an informed decision about your heart health.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines on the Management of Patients with Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16949478/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14557344/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2020/12/16/21/58/2020-ACC-AHA-VHD-GL-Pt-1-GL-VHD
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Supraventricular Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14563598/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/21/1883/4939241
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.