Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia

Electrophysiology is the study of the electrical activity of the heart, which controls the heart rhythm. The normal beat results from an electrical impulse that travels through the heart, causing it to contract in a regular fashion and pump blood.

The normal heart beat

Known as the "sinus rhythm," a normal heart beat begins from a naturally occurring pacemaker, called the sinoatrial node, located in one of the heart's chambers. This impulse travels through the other chambers of the heart, activating them and causing the heart to pump the blood to the body. Normal heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute.

About arrhythmia

An arrhythmia is any change from the normal heart rhythm. This abnormal rhythm may result in either a fast heart rate (tachycardia) or a slow heart rate (bradycardia).

Heart block occurs when the normal impulse does not always reach the ventricles. Heart block can range from intermittent to complete. Abnormal heart rhythms can also be classified as supraventricular or ventricular, depending on the part of the heart causing the abnormal rhythm. Rapid heart rhythms that originate in the ventricles are called ventricular tachycardias or "VT."

Symptoms of arrhythmia may include:

skipped heart beats
fluttering in the chest
shortness of breath
chest pain
neck pain or pulsation
lightheadedness or dizziness, possibly to the point of passing out
a cold, sweaty feeling
cardiac arrest

Some patients are unaware of their abnormal heart rhythm.

It is important to see a physician if you experience any symptoms of arrhythmia. Occasionally, an arrhythmia may cause cardiac arrest, resulting in the inability of the heart to pump blood effectively to the brain and other organs.

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