Delectrofisiologia

Delectrofisiologia, often referred to as electrophysiology or EP, is a branch of physiology and medicine that studies the electrical properties of biological cells and tissues. It is particularly concerned with the flow of ions across cell membranes, which generates electrical activity. This field is crucial for understanding the function of excitable cells such as neurons and muscle cells, including cardiac myocytes.

In the context of cardiac electrophysiology, EP focuses on the electrical system of the heart. This includes the generation of electrical impulses by the sinoatrial node, their conduction through the atria and ventricles via specialized pathways like the atrioventricular node and the His-Purkinje system, and the resulting coordinated contraction of the heart muscle. Abnormalities in these electrical processes can lead to various arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats.

Electrophysiology plays a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Electrophysiology studies (EPS) are invasive diagnostic procedures where catheters with electrodes are inserted into the heart to record electrical activity and map the electrical pathways. These studies can pinpoint the origin of arrhythmias and help guide treatment strategies. Treatments derived from EP include antiarrhythmic medications and interventional procedures like catheter ablation, where targeted energy is used to destroy small areas of heart tissue causing abnormal electrical signals. Research in EP continues to advance our understanding of heart rhythm disorders and improve patient care.