Cardiac electrophysiology focuses on diagnosing and managing disorders affecting the electrical signals that control the heartbeat. Patients may experience palpitations, dizziness, fainting or irregular heart rhythms. Specialist evaluation reviews symptoms, medical history and appropriate cardiac investigations to determine whether medication, monitoring or further electrophysiological assessment is required.
Cardiac arrhythmias occur when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly or irregularly because of abnormalities in its electrical system. Evaluation may involve an electrocardiogram, ambulatory rhythm monitoring and other cardiac tests. Treatment depends on the type of arrhythmia, symptoms, underlying heart condition and individual risk factors.
Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder characterised by irregular electrical activity in the heart's upper chambers. It may cause palpitations, fatigue or breathlessness and can increase stroke risk. Management may involve controlling heart rate or rhythm, assessing the need for anticoagulation and evaluating other relevant cardiovascular conditions.
Supraventricular tachycardia is a group of heart rhythm disorders that cause episodes of unusually rapid heartbeat originating above the ventricles. Symptoms may include sudden palpitations, dizziness or chest discomfort. Evaluation includes reviewing episode characteristics and rhythm recordings. Treatment may involve medication or specialist procedures for suitable patients.
Bradycardia refers to a slower-than-usual heart rate. It may be normal in some individuals but can cause dizziness, fatigue or fainting when the heart cannot maintain adequate circulation. Evaluation considers symptoms, medications and rhythm investigations. Selected patients with significant conduction disorders may require pacemaker assessment.
Palpitations are sensations of a racing, pounding, fluttering or irregular heartbeat. They may arise from harmless triggers or underlying rhythm disorders. Clinical assessment includes symptom history, examination and selected investigations such as ECG or ambulatory monitoring. Treatment depends on identifying the cause and evaluating associated symptoms.
An electrocardiogram records the electrical activity of the heart using electrodes attached to the skin. It helps evaluate heart rhythm, conduction abnormalities and certain signs of cardiovascular disease. ECG results are interpreted alongside symptoms and medical history because intermittent rhythm disturbances may not appear during a short recording.
Holter monitoring records heart rhythm continuously over a specified period while the patient undertakes normal daily activities. It may help detect intermittent palpitations, irregular heartbeats or abnormal heart rates. Longer-duration monitoring may be considered when symptoms occur infrequently. The appropriate test depends on clinical circumstances.
An electrophysiology study is an invasive cardiac test used to evaluate the heart's electrical pathways and identify certain rhythm abnormalities. Specialised catheters are placed within the heart to record electrical signals. The procedure may be considered when non-invasive testing is insufficient or when a treatable arrhythmia is suspected.
Catheter ablation is a specialised procedure used to treat selected abnormal heart rhythms by modifying small areas of cardiac tissue responsible for problematic electrical signals. It may be considered for certain arrhythmias after specialist assessment. Suitability depends on the rhythm disorder, symptoms, treatment history and procedural risks.
A permanent pacemaker may be recommended for selected patients with symptomatic slow heart rhythms or significant electrical conduction abnormalities. Evaluation includes reviewing ECG findings, rhythm monitoring and clinical symptoms. The device helps maintain an appropriate heart rate when indicated, but not every slow heartbeat requires implantation.
Coronary artery disease develops when plaque narrows the arteries supplying the heart muscle. Symptoms may include chest discomfort, breathlessness or reduced exercise tolerance. Evaluation may involve ECG, stress testing, imaging or angiography when appropriate. Management depends on disease severity and may include medication, lifestyle changes or intervention.
Interventional cardiology involves catheter-based evaluation and treatment of selected cardiovascular conditions. Specialist consultation considers symptoms, coronary anatomy, diagnostic results and overall medical fitness. Depending on the findings, treatment may include medication, further investigation or a minimally invasive procedure when appropriate.
Syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. Possible causes include reflex responses, blood pressure changes and cardiac rhythm abnormalities. Evaluation involves reviewing the circumstances of the episode, medical history and appropriate investigations. Suspected cardiac causes require timely specialist assessment.