Why is electrophysiology important in cardiology?

Written in association with: Dr Shui Hao Chin
Published:
Edited by: Conor Lynch

Top Doctors recently spoke to leading Leicester-based consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist, Dr Shui Hao Chin, who, in this article here, explains what cardiac electrophysiology is, and tells us why it is so important within the field of cardiology today.

What is cardiac electrophysiology?

The heart has specialised tissue that provides electrical currents that allows the heart to beat in a regular and coordinated manner, contributing to a normal heart rhythm. Cardiac electrophysiology is the scientific study of the electrical properties of these heart tissues, and allows physicians to develop an understanding of the mechanisms underpinning various heat rhythm abnormalities.

 

Why is electrophysiology important in cardiology?

Electrophysiology is a highly specialised specialty within cardiology that diagnoses and treats various other heart rhythm disorders, such as ectopics (commonly known as missed or skipped beats), atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardias (SVT), ventricular tachycardias (VT) or bradycardia (slow heart rate).  Patients who need electrophysiology referral are typically those suffering from palpitations, dizziness, and unexplained blackouts

 

What are the types of procedures that are done in electrophysiology?

There are many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in electrophysiology. These include:

 

  • Arrangement for Holter fitting to establish diagnosis
  • Catheter ablation of different arrhythmias
  • Pacemaker implantation
  • Insertion of implantable loop recorder
  • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) insertion

 

How is an electrophysiology study performed?

It is done using local anaesthesia, and typically lasts up to two hours. Commonly, it is performed as a day case. It involves using X-rays to guide placement of wires (catheters) from the top of the leg to the heart, and once the wires are in place within the different heart chambers, a stimulation study is performed to induce and diagnose potential abnormal heart rhythm. Once we know where the abnormal electrical signal arises from, we can then perform radiofrequency ablation, which involves cauterising (or freezing) the heart tissue that contributes to the abnormal heart rhythm.

 

What are the potential risks and complications of electrophysiology procedures?

These are very safe procedures and are almost always performed with sedatives (general anaesthesia is optional). The overall risk is one per cent and potential complications include bleeding, bruising, damage to blood vessels (one in every 200), heart attack or stroke (1:1000 risk), damage to natural pacemaker site requiring pacemaker implantation (one per cent), or bleeding around the heart requiring drainage (one in every 500).

 

Dr Shui Hao Chin is an extremely well-regarded consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist. Book a consultation with him today via his Top Doctors profile.

By Dr Shui Hao Chin
Cardiology

Dr Shui Hao Chin is a highly respected consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist based in Leicester. He specialises in a range of cardiological complaints including syncope, supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. He is also expert in treatment using pacemakers, cardiac ablation and implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Dr Chin obtained his primary medical qualifications from the University of Cambridge, including a bachelor of surgery and medicine and a masters in clinical sciences. He was later awarded a PhD in cardiovascular sciences at the University of Leicester additional to several certifications specific to cardiac electrophysiology and cardiac rhythm device therapy. He has worked as a consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist for several years, previously at the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. Dr Chin is currently based in Leicester and sees private patients in Glenfield Hospital as well as through e-Consultation.

Dr Chin is a widely respected and active researcher in his field and has authored numerous academic publications and several book chapters. He regularly presents on his areas of expertise at both a national and international level. He is also a leading educator in cardiology and currently holds the position of honorary senior lecturer at the University of Leicester.

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