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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.
Electrophysiological Study (EPS) for the Heart
Introduction
Electrophysiological Study (EPS) is a specialized test used to evaluate abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). It helps diagnose the nature of the arrhythmia and guides treatment decisions, including medication, ablation, or implanting a pacemaker or defibrillator.
Why is EPS Done?
EPS is typically performed to: - Find the cause of unexplained fainting (syncope) - Diagnose and locate the source of arrhythmias - Assess the risk of sudden cardiac arrest - Evaluate the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic medications - Determine if a patient needs a pacemaker, defibrillator, or catheter ablation
How is EPS Performed?
- Preparation: The patient fasts for several hours before the test and stops certain medications under a doctor’s guidance.
- Catheter Insertion: Thin wires (electrode catheters) are inserted through a vein (typically in the groin or neck) and guided into the heart.
- Electrical Stimulation: The doctor sends small electrical impulses to test the heart’s electrical pathways and locate abnormal rhythms.
- Arrhythmia Induction: The doctor may try to stimulate abnormal heart rhythms to analyze how the heart responds.
- Treatment Decision: Depending on the results, the doctor may proceed with catheter ablation or recommend other treatments.
Risks of EPS
While generally safe, EPS carries some risks, including: - Bleeding or infection at the catheter insertion site - Arrhythmia induction that requires immediate treatment - Blood clot formation (rare but possible)
Conclusion
EPS is a crucial procedure for diagnosing and treating abnormal heart rhythms. It provides valuable insights that help in choosing the best therapeutic approach.
Further Reading
For an authoritative reference, consult the following clinical guidelines:
Source recommendations
1. 2022 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405500X22010945
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(17)31249-3/fulltext
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
2. 2023 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article-abstract/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2022/09/02/14/23/2022-ESC-Guidelines-for-VAs-ESC-2022
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405500X22010945
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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!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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.