Hjärtledningsundersökningen

Hjärtledningsundersökningen, also known as an electrophysiological study (EPS), is a diagnostic medical procedure used to evaluate the heart's electrical system. It helps identify the source and nature of abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias. During the procedure, thin, flexible wires called catheters are inserted into a vein, usually in the groin or neck, and guided to the heart using X-ray imaging. Electrodes on the tips of these catheters record the heart's electrical activity and can also stimulate the heart to see how it responds.

The primary goal of Hjärtledningsundersökningen is to map out the electrical pathways of the heart and pinpoint where and why a rhythm disturbance originates. This information is crucial for determining the most effective treatment, which can range from medication to minimally invasive procedures like ablation, where the abnormal electrical pathways are destroyed. The study can diagnose conditions such as supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia. It is typically performed under local anesthesia, and patients are usually awake during the procedure, although sedation may be offered. The recovery period is generally short, with most patients able to resume normal activities within a day or two.