Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Decoded
By: Dr. T.S. Kler
Electrophysiology is a branch of cardiology that focuses on the electrical activity of theheart and its relationship with heart rhythm disorders, known as arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are abnormalities in the rhythm of the heart, which can manifest asirregular heartbeats or abnormal heart rates. These disturbances can range fromharmless to life-threatening, and they affect millions of people worldwide.
What is Arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia refers to any irregularity in the heartbeat. Normally, the heart contracts andrelaxes in a steady rhythm, pumping blood throughout the body. However, inindividuals with arrhythmias, this rhythm is disrupted. Arrhythmias can occur when theelectrical impulses that coordinate heartbeats are delayed, blocked, or travel alongabnormal pathways. This disruption can lead to the heart beating too fast(tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly.
Symptoms of Arrhythmia:
Symptoms of arrhythmia can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition.
Common symptoms include:
- Palpitations (a feeling of fluttering or pounding in the chest)
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Fainting or near-fainting spells (syncope)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fatigue
- Weakness
Types of Arrhythmia:
There are several types of arrhythmias, including:
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): The most common type, characterized by rapid andirregular beating of the upper chambers of the heart (atria).
Bradycardia: When the heart beats too slowly, usually defined as a resting heart ratebelow 60 beats per minute.
Tachycardia: When the heart beats too quickly, often defined as a resting heart rateabove 100 beats per minute.
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Episodes of rapid heart rate originating abovethe ventricles.
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Rapid heart rate originating in the lower chambers ofthe heart (ventricles), which can be life-threatening.
Treatment of Arrhythmia:
Treatment for arrhythmias aims to restore normal heart rhythm, control symptoms, andprevent complications. Options include:
Medications: Antiarrhythmic drugs to regulate heart rhythm and rate.
Cardioversion: Electrical shock to restore normal heart rhythm.
Catheter Ablation: A procedure to destroy small areas of heart tissue that are causingthe arrhythmia.
Implantable Devices: Pacemakers to regulate heart rate or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to monitor and correct abnormal heart rhythms.
Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, managingstress, and maintaining a healthy diet and weight can help control arrhythmias.
Age Groups Affected:
Arrhythmias can affect individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly. However, therisk of developing arrhythmias increases with age, as structural changes and otherheart conditions become more common. Certain types of arrhythmias, such as atrialfibrillation, are more prevalent in older adults.
Other Points to Consider:
- Risk Factors: Factors that increase the risk of developing arrhythmias includehigh blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, diabetes, obesity,excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, smoking, and certain medicationsor recreational drugs.
- Complications: Untreated arrhythmias can lead to serious complications,including stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.
- Diagnosis: Arrhythmias are diagnosed through a combination of medicalhistory, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as electrocardiogram(ECG), Holter monitor, event recorder, echocardiogram, and electrophysiologystudies.
- Prevention: Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, managing underlying medicalconditions, and following treatment recommendations can help prevent orminimize the occurrence of arrhythmias.
In conclusion, electrophysiology plays a crucial role in understanding and managingarrhythmias, which are common heart rhythm disorders with various causes,symptoms, types, and treatment options. Early detection, accurate diagnosis, andappropriate management are essential for improving outcomes and quality of life forindividuals with arrhythmias.
(The author is Chairman & HOD – BLK-Max Heart & Vascular Institute, Chairman Pan Max – Electrophysiology, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi)
