Electrophysiological investigation

Cardiac electrophysiology is the subspecialty of cardiology dealing with heart rhythm disorders, particularly the investigation and management of brady- and tachyarrhythmias, syncope and the prevention of sudden cardiac death. Recent years have seen significant developments in our understanding of arrhythmias. Recent technological developments include ever smaller and more complex implantable pacing devices, the ability to map an arrhythmia circuit in three dimensions, potentially in one beat and to destroy small areas of myocardium safely known to be critical to a particular arrhythmia. These have led to a dramatic expansion in our ability to treat heart rhythm problems. This article will focus on the diagnostic tools which can be used to investigate these conditions and its sister article will deal with some of the treatment strategies.