Cardiac electrophysiology deals with the heart's electrical system, which controls the rate and rhythm of every heartbeat. When the system misfires, the heart may beat too fast, too slowly or irregularly. Patients feel palpitations, dizziness, breathlessness or fainting, and some are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

Patients seeking cardiovascular care in Mumbai for rhythm problems start with an ECG and, often, a Holter monitor that records the rhythm for a day or longer. Some episodes are brief, so repeat recordings may be needed. Blood tests and echocardiography look for causes such as thyroid disease, valve problems or a weak heart muscle.

Treatment depends on the rhythm. Medicines control many fast rhythms, while a pacemaker supports a slow one. Devices, catheter ablation and surgery are options for others. The doctor explains what each choice involves, including its risks, and advises patients on driving, exercise, and work. Device patients attend regular checks, and any fainting spell or chest pain is reported at once.

Electrophysiology services include:

• Pacemaker Implantation: Placement of a small device under the skin with leads in the heart that supports a slow or blocked heartbeat, preventing fainting and tiredness and allowing patients to return to normal daily activity with periodic device checks.
• ICD Implantation: A device that watches the heart continuously and treats dangerous fast rhythms with pacing or a shock, protecting people who have survived a cardiac arrest or who are at high risk because of a weak heart muscle.
• Cardioversion: A controlled electrical shock under brief anaesthesia that restores normal rhythm in atrial fibrillation or flutter, relieving palpitations and breathlessness, with blood thinners used before and after to reduce the risk of stroke.
• Arrhythmia Surgery: Surgical ablation, including the Maze and Convergent approaches, for atrial fibrillation that persists despite medicines, often combined with other heart operations, aiming to restore a regular rhythm and lower stroke risk.