Heart Rhythm Tests
Arrhythmia refers to the fast, slow or unusual heart rhythm caused by misfiring of the heart’s electrical system. Arrhythmias can come and go or can be constant, depending on the problem. Electrophysiology (EP) is the branch of medicine specializing in the evaluation and treatment of the heart’s electrical system and rhythm. At the St. Paul’s EP lab, which is one of only two in the province, three cardiologists are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmia. EP procedures are performed by putting electrodes through the veins into the heart itself. Using x-rays to guide them, cardiologists make a detailed study of the electrical activity from within the heart. When appropriate, they can treat the problem by applying energy to destroy the abnormal tissue (Ablation) causing the arrhythmia. EP is one of the fastest growing areas in the field of heart disease.