Electrophysiologic testing: clinical applications

Electrophysiologic studies can be used in evaluating a large number of arrhythmias and conduction disturbances. These tests are extremely useful in the diagnosis and treatment of sick sinus syndrome, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias, atrial flutter, and AV conduction abnormalities. The decision to implant a permanent pacemaker in patients with a history of syncope also may be aided by the results of electrophysiologic studies. Finally, electrophysiologic studies have been used in the diagnosis and treatment of recurrent sustained ventricular tachycardia and in the evaluation of survivors of cardiac arrest. It is in these last two areas that electrophysiologic testing may have its widest and most important applications.