What Is Cardiac
Electrophysiology?
Cardiac electrophysiology is the branch of cardiology that diagnoses and treats heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias). Electrophysiologists use ECGs, Holter monitors and electrophysiology studies to find the cause of an abnormal heartbeat, then treat it with medicines, catheter ablation, or devices such as pacemakers and ICDs.
Each heartbeat starts with an electrical signal from the heart’s natural pacemaker, the sinus node, and travels through a wiring system to the lower chambers. An arrhythmia happens when that signal is too fast, too slow, irregular, or travels along an extra “short-circuit” pathway.
Many arrhythmias are harmless, but some cause disabling palpitations, fainting, heart failure or stroke, and a few can cause sudden cardiac arrest. Finding the exact type is the key to the right treatment.
At KG Heart Center, the electrophysiology team diagnoses and treats the full range of rhythm disorders — from benign palpitations to life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias — in a dedicated EP lab within the advanced cath lab suite.
- Dedicated EP lab
- No chest incision
- Local anaesthesia & sedation
- Often same-day or next-day home
- Holter for 24 hours to 7 days
- Pacemaker & ICD on site
Heart Rhythm Disorders
We Treat
Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
The most common sustained arrhythmia: the upper chambers beat chaotically, causing an irregular pulse, tiredness and a higher risk of stroke.
Stroke riskSVT & WPW Syndrome
Supraventricular tachycardia causes sudden bursts of a very fast, regular heartbeat, often due to an extra electrical pathway. WPW syndrome is one type.
Fast & regularAtrial Flutter
A rapid, organised circuit in the right upper chamber. Typical flutter responds very well to ablation.
CircuitVentricular Tachycardia (VT)
Fast rhythms from the lower chambers, often in people with a weak or scarred heart. VT can be life-threatening and may need an ICD and ablation.
SeriousEctopic Beats (PVCs)
Extra or skipped beats. Usually harmless, but very frequent PVCs causing symptoms or weakening the heart can be treated with medicines or ablation.
Extra beatsSlow Heart Rate & Heart Block
A heartbeat that is too slow or pauses can cause dizziness and fainting, and is usually treated with a pacemaker.
Too slowTests & the
Electrophysiology Study
The first goal is to record the rhythm during symptoms. A standard ECG may be normal between episodes, so a Holter monitor worn for 24 hours up to 7 days captures intermittent arrhythmias. An echocardiogram checks the heart’s structure, and a treadmill test shows how the rhythm behaves with exercise.
The EP study (EPS) is a specialised test done in the EP lab. Under local anaesthesia and sedation, thin catheters are passed through veins in the groin to the heart. They record electrical signals from inside the heart and use tiny pacing pulses to trigger and map the arrhythmia safely. It usually takes about 1–2 hours, and if a treatable pathway is found, ablation can often be done in the same sitting.
Catheter Ablation —
Step by Step
Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that treats an arrhythmia by delivering energy through a catheter to the small area of heart tissue causing it, creating a tiny scar that blocks the abnormal signal. It is done through a vein in the groin under local anaesthesia and sedation, with no chest incision, and many patients go home the same or next day.
Preparation
Some rhythm medicines are stopped a few days before, and blood thinners are adjusted as advised. You fast for a few hours beforehand.
Access through the groin
After local anaesthesia and sedation, thin catheters are passed through veins at the top of the leg up to the heart under X-ray guidance.
Mapping the arrhythmia
An EP study pinpoints exactly where the abnormal signal starts or which pathway it uses.
Ablation
Energy is delivered through the catheter tip to that spot, creating a small scar that blocks the faulty signal. You may feel brief warmth or discomfort.
Testing and recovery
The team tries to re-trigger the arrhythmia to confirm success, then removes the catheters. You lie flat for a few hours and usually go home the same day or the next day.
Treatment Options
by Rhythm Disorder
| Condition | Main treatments | Role of ablation |
|---|---|---|
| SVT / WPW | Vagal manoeuvres, medicines, ablation | First-line option; success above 90% |
| Atrial flutter | Anticoagulation, rate control, ablation | Highly effective for typical flutter |
| Atrial fibrillation | Stroke prevention, rate or rhythm control | Rhythm control for selected patients; repeat may be needed |
| Ventricular tachycardia | Medicines, ICD | Reduces episodes and ICD shocks |
| Slow heart rate | Review medicines, pacemaker | Not usually used |
Success rates are typical figures from international guidelines and published studies; your electrophysiologist will discuss your personal chances.
Atrial Fibrillation —
Stroke Prevention & Ablation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) makes the upper chambers quiver instead of contracting, so blood can pool and form clots. That is why AF increases the risk of stroke about five times. Many people have no symptoms, and AF is often found on a routine ECG or pulse check.
Treatment has three parts: preventing stroke with blood thinners when your risk score is raised, controlling the heart rate, and restoring normal rhythm where it helps — with medicines, cardioversion or AF ablation. Treating high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnoea, excess weight and alcohol also reduces AF episodes.
Recovery &
Risks of Ablation
Most people return to normal daily activities within a few days and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about a week while the groin heals. After SVT or flutter ablation, many patients no longer need rhythm medicines. After AF ablation, the heart can take about three months to settle, and some short episodes during this period are common.
What are the risks?
EP studies and ablation are generally safe. Possible risks include bruising or bleeding at the groin, blood-vessel injury and, rarely, fluid around the heart, damage to the normal conduction system needing a pacemaker, or stroke. Your electrophysiologist explains your individual risk before you decide.
EP Study & Ablation Cost
in Coimbatore
The cost depends on whether you need an EP study alone or with ablation, the type of arrhythmia (SVT and flutter ablation are usually simpler than AF or VT ablation), the catheters and technology used, and the hospital stay. KG Hospital gives a written estimate after your consultation and tests.
KG Hospital is empanelled with 50+ insurers and TPAs and with CMCHIS, PM-JAY, ESI, CGHS and ECHS. Cover depends on your policy or scheme, so the insurance desk checks eligibility and sends pre-authorisation, usually within 1–4 hours. Call 0422-4042121, Extn 205. Insurance & cashless details →
Coming from another city or country? Our International Patient Care team shares a free estimate within 48 hours of receiving your reports.
Electrophysiology Team
at KG Heart Center
KG Heart Center is part of KG Hospital, founded in 1974 by Padma Shri awardee Dr G. Bakthavathsalam, and accredited by NABH.
About this page. Written by the KG Heart Center cardiology and electrophysiology team, KG Hospital, Coimbatore. Clinical information is consistent with the international guidelines listed below. Last updated: .
References
- 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation — European Society of Cardiology (key points summary).
- 2019 ESC Guidelines for the management of patients with supraventricular tachycardia — European Society of Cardiology.
- 2022 ESC Guidelines for ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death — European Society of Cardiology.