Electrophysiology Study

Restoring Your Normal Rhythm

Your heart works hard daily to keep you moving and deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. However, when you experience an irregular heartbeat, known as an arrhythmia, it can keep you from performing daily activities. This is where electrophysiology at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester can play a critical role.

Our experienced team of cardiac electrophysiologists, alongside nurses, radiology technicians and support staff, are dedicated to identifying the specific issues within your heart’s electrical system. Through various electrophysiology procedures, our goal is to diagnose the underlying causes of your irregular heartbeat and create a treatment plan tailored to you. Additionally, our multidisciplinary approach helps ensure that each patient receives comprehensive care, addressing immediate needs and ongoing cardiac health to restore normal heart rhythm and improve overall quality of life.

What Does Electrophysiology Do?

An electrophysiology study (EP study) is an essential test that helps healthcare professionals diagnose and understand abnormal heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmias, making precise diagnosis crucial. An EP study is vital in locating the exact cause of arrhythmias. Through the detailed mapping of the heart's electrical pathways, healthcare providers can determine the best course of treatment by identifying specific sites within the heart where electrical malfunctions occur. In cases where an arrhythmia source is identified, targeted treatments such as catheter ablation can be performed to correct irregular heart rhythms. Furthermore, an electrophysiology study helps decide whether a patient might benefit from medical therapies or implantable devices like pacemakers and cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), ensuring a comprehensive and personalized strategy to manage heart rhythm disorders.

How a Cardiac Electrophysiology Study Works

Electrophysiology studies involve the insertion of a thin tube called a catheter into a blood vessel that leads directly to the heart. The procedure, also called cardiac mapping, enables specialized electrodes to be strategically placed within the heart, where they both emit and detect electrical signals, which measure the heart's electrical activity. It also allows healthcare providers to develop a targeted treatment plan tailored to each patient's needs. However, despite the general safety of cardiac electrophysiology studies, there are some potential risks to be aware of, including:

Arrhythmia: During an electrophysiology study, arrhythmias may occur, causing dizziness or lightheadedness. If this happens, the medical team may use an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat.
Heart valve damage: The procedure may cause damage to the heart valves.
Blood clots: Medication may be given to prevent the formation of blood clots at the tip of the catheter, which can potentially block a blood vessel.
Infection, bleeding and bruising: These can occur at the catheter insertion site, typically in the groin, arm or neck.

The entire test usually lasts between one and four hours. If an irregular heart rhythm is identified, treatments such as cardiac ablation, pacemaker insertion of a pacemaker or implantable ICD may be performed during or immediately after the EP study.

Why Is My Cardiologist Sending Me To An Electrophysiologist?

If your cardiologist has recommended seeing an electrophysiologist, it is likely because you have signs of an arrhythmia. Electrophysiologists are cardiologists who focus on the heart's electrical system and are trained in diagnosing and treating arrhythmias. Here are some key reasons why your cardiologist might refer you to an electrophysiologist:

Testing the heart's electrical function: An EP study can test the function of your heart's electrical system to understand how well it is working.
Locating arrhythmias: If you have a known arrhythmia, an EP study can help pinpoint its exact location in the heart, which is crucial for effective treatment.
Determining the best therapy: The study can help determine the best therapy for your abnormal heart rhythm, whether medication, a procedure or a device.
Assessing risk for future heart events: An EPS can determine if you are at risk for future heart events, such as sudden cardiac death, which is vital for preventive care.
Evaluating medication effectiveness: The study can assess how well your current medications control your arrhythmia, allowing for adjustments if necessary.
Considering pacemakers or ICDs: An EP study can help your physician determine if you might benefit from a pacemaker or an ICD.
Cardiac catheter ablation: If the study identifies a specific area in your heart causing abnormal electrical signals, cardiac catheter ablation may be recommended to destroy that area and correct the arrhythmia.
Risk assessment: The study can also evaluate your risk for serious heart problems, such as fainting or sudden cardiac death due to cardiac arrest.

What's The Difference Between a Cardiologist and an Electrophysiologist?

While cardiologists can treat most heart conditions, some patients may need the intervention of a subspecialist.

A cardiologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats medical problems affecting the heart and blood vessels, allowing them to care for a range of conditions, such as congenital heart defects, high blood pressure and arrhythmias. Additionally, cardiologists often play a crucial role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease by advising patients on lifestyle modifications and managing risk factors, which can include diet, exercise and the moderation of alcohol and tobacco use. In addition to prevention, they utilize various diagnostic tests, like echocardiograms and stress tests, to monitor heart health and detect emerging issues early. A cardiologist's broad focus on cardiac and vascular health helps ensure comprehensive care, addressing heart-related healthcare needs.

Electrophysiology is a subspecialty of cardiology that focuses on the heart's electrical system. An electrophysiologist is a doctor trained in the heart's electrical activities' mechanism, function and performance. They specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to heart rhythm irregularities, such as arrhythmias. Electrophysiologists perform tests to evaluate the heart's electrical system and may treat conditions by utilizing various techniques, such as electrophysiology studies, cardiac catheter ablation and implantation of pacemakers or ICDs.

While cardiologists and electrophysiologists are essential for heart health, they focus on different aspects of heart care. Cardiologists manage various heart and blood vessel conditions, while electrophysiologists specialize in the heart's electrical system and rhythm disorders.

Find an Electrophysiologist in Worcester

Saint Vincent Hospital has been a community partner of heart health for over forty years, offering quality care that addresses the diverse needs of cardiac patients in central Massachusetts. We understand that heart and vascular issues require skilled medical intervention and compassion, prioritizing patient comfort and well-being.

Our multidisciplinary approach includes coordinating cardiologists, electrophysiologists, surgeons and other healthcare professionals dedicated to helping ensure comprehensive care and optimal cardiac health outcomes. Furthermore, we are committed to helping empower patients to participate actively in their health journey and achieve a better quality of life.

Whether you need emergency cardiac care, a vascular procedure or ongoing preventive care, our cardiac and vascular services can help. Let us help you stay on top of your heart health with the multidisciplinary cardiovascular care available at Saint Vincent Hospital: