The treatment for cardiac arrhythmias that uses energy delivered by a thin intravascular tube is called catheter ablation. During this procedure, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart, where it delivers energy—typically radiofrequency or cryoablation—to destroy the tissue responsible for the abnormal electrical signals. This helps restore a normal heart rhythm and can be effective for various types of arrhythmias.
The first internal pacemaker was developed in 1958 by Dr. Paul Zoll, who implanted electrodes in the heart to regulate its rhythm. However, the first fully implantable pacemaker was created by Dr. Arne Larsson in 1958 as well, and it was successfully used in a patient. These innovations marked significant advancements in cardiac care, allowing for better management of arrhythmias and heart conditions.
An ECG (electrocardiogram) only traces recording of electrical activity because it specifically measures the electrical signals generated by the heart as it contracts and relaxes. These signals are produced by the depolarization and repolarization of cardiac muscle cells, which initiate and coordinate heartbeats. While the ECG provides valuable information about the heart's rhythm, rate, and overall electrical function, it does not capture mechanical activity or other physiological processes occurring in the heart or body. Thus, it serves as a diagnostic tool primarily for assessing cardiac electrical activity.
DefinitionIntracardiac electrophysiology study (EPS) is an invasive test that allows doctors to determine the details of abnormal heartbeats, or arrhythmias.See also: Cardiac ablation proceduresAlternative NamesElectrophysiology study - intracardiac; EPS - intracardiacHow the test is performedThe study involves placing wire electrodes in the heart to measure electrical activity along the heart's conduction system and in heart muscle cells themselves.The procedure is done in a hospital laboratory by a trained staff that includes cardiologists, technicians, and nurses. The environment is safe and controlled to minimize any danger or risk to the patient.A health care provider will clean your groin area and apply a numbing medication (anesthetic). The cardiologist will then place several IVs into the groin area. Once these IVs are in place, tubes (catheters) can be passed through the IVs into the body.The doctor uses moving x-ray images to carefully guide the catheter up into the heart and place the electrodes into the proper areas.The electrodes detect the heart's electrical activity and map out any abnormal heartbeats. This helps the doctor see the type of arrhythmia you have and where the problem starts in your heart.Abnormal electrical activity can occur anywhere along this heart's conduction system ("the heart's wiring"). Normally, the heart's electrical signals move through the the two chambers on the top of the heart (the atria), to the atrioventricular (AV) node, and then to the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles).How to prepare for the testTest preparations are similar to those for a cardiac catheterization. Food and fluid will be restricted for 6 - 8 hours before the test. The procedure will take place in a hospital, and you will wear hospital clothing. You must sign a consent form for the procedure.Your health care provider will give you instructions regarding any changes to your normal medications. Do not stop taking or change any medications without consulting your health care provider.A mild sedative is usually given 30 minutes before the procedure. You may not be able to drive home yourself if you are discharged the same day.How the test will feelDuring the test, you will be awake and able to follow instructions.A simple EPS generally lasts from 20 minutes to 1 hour. It may take longer if other procedures are involved.Why the test is performedYour doctor may order this test if you have signs of an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Information from this study helps your doctor determine the severity of the arrhythmia as well as the best treatment. Before this test is done, your cardiologist may have tried other, less invasive tests such as ambulatory cardiac monitoring.An EPS may be done to:Pinpoint a known arrhythmia that is beginning in the heart and help decide the best therapyDetermine whether you are at risk for future heart events, especially sudden cardiac deathSee if medicine is controlling an abnormal heart rhythmEvaluate the need for a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)What abnormal results meanAbnormal results may be related to slow or fast abnormal heart rhythms. Some examples are:Sick sinus syndromeAtrial fibrillationHeart blockWolff-Parkinson-White syndromeSupraventricular tachycardiaVentricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardiaThis list may not be all-inclusive.The health care provider must determine the exact location and type of the arrhythmia so that specific treatment can be given. The arrhythmia may start from any area of the heart's electrical conduction system.What the risks areThe procedure is generally very safe. Possible risks include:ArrhythmiasBleedingBlood clots that lead to embolismCardiac tamponadeHeart attackInfectionInjury to the veinLow blood pressureSpecial considerationsA catheter ablation may be done during EPS to treat the arrhythmia.ReferencesMiller JM. Diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007:chap 32.
An electrical shock may cause burns, or it may leave no visible mark on the skin. In either case, an electrical current passing through the body can cause internal damage, cardiac arrest or other injury. Under certain circumstances, even a small amount of electricity can be fatal.
DefinitionAn electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.See also:Holter monitoring.Stress testAlternative NamesECG; EKGHow the test is performedYou will be asked to lie down. The health care provider will clean several areas on your arms, legs, and chest, and then attach small patches called electrodes to the areas. It may be necessary to shave or clip some hair so the patches stick to the skin. The number of patches used may vary.The patches are connected by wires to a machine that turns the heart's electrical signals into wavy lines, which are often printed on paper. The test results are reviewed by the doctor.You usually need to remain still during the procedure. The health care provider may also ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds as the test is being done. Any movement, including muscle tremors such as shivering, can alter the results. So it is important to be relaxed and relatively warm during an ECG recording.Sometimes this test is done while you are exercising or under minimal stress to monitor changes in the heart. This type of ECG is often called a stress test.How to prepare for the testMake sure your health care provider knows about all the medications you are taking, as some can interfere with test results.Exercising or drinking cold water immediately before an ECG may cause false results.How the test will feelAn ECG is painless. No electricity is sent through the body. The electrodes may feel cold when first applied. In rare cases, some people may develop a rash or irritation where the patches were placed.Why the test is performedAn ECG is used to measure:Any damage to the heartHow fast your heart is beating and whether it is beating normallyThe effects of drugs or devices used to control the heart (such as a pacemaker)The size and position of your heart chambersAn ECG is a very useful tool for determining whether a person has heart disease. Your doctor may order this test if you have chest pain or palpitations.Normal ValuesHeart rate: 60 to 100 beats per minuteHeart rhythm: consistent and evenWhat abnormal results meanAbnormal ECG results may be a sign ofAbnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)Cardiac muscle defectCongenital heart defectCoronary artery diseaseEctopic heartbeatEnlargement of the heartFaster-than-normal heart rate (tachycardia)Heart valve diseaseInflammation of the heart (myocarditis)Changes in the amount of electrolytes (chemicals in the blood)Past heart attackPresent or impending heart attackSlower-than-normal heart rate (bradycardia)Additional conditions under which the test may be performed include the following:Alcoholic cardiomyopathyAnorexia nervosaAortic dissectionAortic insufficiencyAortic stenosisAtrial fibrillation/flutterAtrial myxomaAtrial septal defectCardiac tamponadeCoarctation of the aortaComplicated alcohol abstinence (delirium tremens)Coronary artery spasmDigitalis toxicityDilated cardiomyopathyDrug-induced lupus erythematosusFamilial periodic paralysisGuillain-BarreHeart failureHyperkalemiaHypertensive heart diseaseHypertrophic cardiomyopathyHypoparathyroidismIdiopathic cardiomyopathyInfective endocarditisInsomniaIschemic cardiomyopathyLeft-sided heart failureLyme diseaseMitral regurgitation; acuteMitral regurgitation; chronicMitral stenosisMitral valve prolapseMultifocal atrial tachycardiaNarcolepsyObstructive sleep apneaParoxysmal supraventricular tachycardiaPatent ductus arteriosusPericarditisBacterial pericarditisConstrictive pericarditisPost-MI pericarditisPeripartum cardiomyopathyPrimary amyloidPrimary hyperaldosteronismPrimary hyperparathyroidismPrimary pulmonary hypertensionPulmonary embolusPulmonary valve stenosisRestrictive cardiomyopathyRight-sided heart failureSick sinus syndromeStable anginaStrokeSystemic lupus erythematosusTetralogy of FallotThyrotoxic periodic paralysisTransient ischemic attack (TIA)Transposition of the great vesselsTricuspid regurgitationType 1 diabetesType 2 diabetesUnstable anginaVentricular septal defectVentricular tachycardiaWolff-Parkinson-White syndromeWhat the risks areThere are no risks. No electricity is sent through the body, so there is no risk of shock.Special considerationsThe accuracy of the ECG depends on the condition being tested. A heart problem may not always show up on the ECG. Some heart conditions never produce any specific ECG changes.If you have had a heart attack or have heart disease, you may need more than one ECG. Your doctor will tell you when you need the next one.There is no reason for healthy people to have yearly ECG testing unless they have a family or personal history of specific heart diseases or other medical conditions that affect the heart.ReferencesGanz L, Curtiss E. Electrocardiography. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 52.
Gan-Xin Yan has written: 'Management of cardiac arrhythmias' -- subject(s): Electrophysiology, Therapy, Treatment, Electric countershock, Arrhythmia, Cardiac Arrhythmias
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palpations
The main symptom of cardiac arrhythmias is pounding in your chest, shortness of breath, fainting ,dizziness or feeling light-headed, palpitations, weakness of fatigue (feeling tired)
The term referring to delivering an electric shock to treat a life-threatening arrhythmia is synchronized cardioversion.
J. P. P. Stock has written: 'Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias' -- subject(s): Arrhythmia, Arrythmia, Diagnosis, Therapy
Samuel Bellet has written: 'Bellet's Essentials of cardiac arrhythmias' -- subject(s): Arrhythmia, Diagnosis, Therapy 'Clinical disorders of the heart beat' -- subject(s): Arrhythmia, Cardiac Arrhythmias
Cardiac arrhythmias and heart murmurs
Hypomagnesemia can result in hypokalemia and thereby cause cardiac arrhythmias
Complications that may occur during the procedure include cardiac arrhythmias (an irregular heart beat).
Cardiomyopathy is the discernible deterioration of the cardiac (heart) muscle that leads to heart failure. This condition is dangerous and can lead to arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest.
if a person experiences cardiac arrhythmias and low levels of potassium are present the person has a condition called hypokalemia.