Français · English · Español · العربية

Electrophysiology: palpitations, fainting and rhythm disorders

Electrophysiology is the area of cardiology dealing with the heart's electrical disorders. A specialist assessment may be proposed when symptoms, ECG or prolonged recordings suggest an arrhythmia requiring specific expertise.

When is specialist advice useful?

Recurrent palpitations, fainting or faintness suspected to be rhythm-related, an abnormally slow rate, documented tachycardia, atrial fibrillation or flutter, supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias, or conduction abnormalities may warrant assessment.

Atrial fibrillation: an example of a rhythm disorder

The assessment helps discuss rate or rhythm control, cardioversion or ablation, and prevention of thromboembolic events. Anticoagulation depends on individual risk and must not be changed without medical advice.

Sinus node dysfunction: a conduction system disorder

Assessment determines severity, looks for a cause and considers the need for a pacemaker, particularly with symptoms or a risk of a markedly slow heart rate.

Useful documents

Bring ECGs, Holter or smartwatch recordings, echocardiography reports, medicines and doses, laboratory results and previous letters. If possible, record the date, duration and circumstances of episodes.

Possible further investigations

A longer Holter, external or implantable recorder, exercise test, cardiac imaging or invasive electrophysiological study may be proposed according to the context.

Specialist treatments

The strategy may combine monitoring, medication, cardioversion, catheter ablation, a pacemaker, defibrillator or cardiac resynchronisation. The choice depends on the arrhythmia, symptoms, underlying heart disease and the balance of benefits and risks.

Invasive procedures and device programming take place in a specialist centre after referral.

Emergency: call 15 in France for palpitations with chest pain, significant breathlessness, loss of consciousness or persistent severe symptoms.

Book an appointment on Doctolib · Call the practice

Explore the practice website

Home · About the team · Scientific publications · Contact · Fees & reimbursement

Cardiology tests · Cardiology consultation · Electrocardiogram (ECG) · Holter ECG · Blood pressure monitoring · Echocardiography

Vascular medicine & Doppler · Carotid Doppler · Peripheral arterial disease · Sleep apnoea

Cardiac CT & MRI · Coronary angiography · Electrophysiology · Lifestyle & prevention · Cardiovascular medication