Hjärtledningsundersökning

Hjärtledningsundersökning, also known as electrophysiological study (EPS), is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart. This invasive test helps doctors understand how electrical impulses travel through the heart and identify any abnormalities that may cause arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats.

During an EPS, thin, flexible tubes called catheters are inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin, and guided to the heart. These catheters have electrodes at their tips that can record the heart's electrical signals and also deliver small electrical impulses to stimulate the heart's rhythm. By analyzing these recordings and responses, physicians can pinpoint the origin of arrhythmias, assess the function of the heart's natural pacemaker, and determine the effectiveness of anti-arrhythmic medications.

EPS is often performed when a patient experiences unexplained palpitations, fainting spells (syncope), or has a history of sudden cardiac arrest. It is crucial for diagnosing conditions like supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and heart block. The information gathered from an EPS can guide treatment decisions, which may include medication, catheter ablation (a procedure to destroy abnormal heart tissue), or the implantation of a pacemaker or defibrillator. The procedure is generally safe, though potential risks include bleeding, infection, or damage to the heart.