Heart Care
Electrophysiology Helps Prevent
Sudden Cardiac Death
Tapan Rami, M.D., Cardiac Electrophysiologist
Imagine being in your home, cozy and snug with a good book, when a thunderstorm strikes out of nowhere. Lightning flashes, the house goes dark and you drop your book. Now imagine you are that house. Your heart's electrical system malfunctions, your heart beats erratically for a moment and then — without warning — quits working.
An electrical problem in your home is not unlike the occurrence of sudden cardiac death (SCD), also known as cardiac arrest, in a human. Unless an emergency shock is delivered to the heart to restore its normal rhythm, death can result within minutes.
Tests that Predict Risk of SCD
According to Tapan Rami, M.D., cardiac electrophysiologist on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, "The most common cause of sudden cardiac death is a heart rhythm disorder called ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation. Often, there is also the presence of poor heart function or structural heart disease. The good news is that there are a number of tests that can be done to evaluate if someone is at increased risk for cardiac arrest."
Electrocardiograms and echocardiograms are used to record the heart's electrical activity and measure the heart's pumping ability, respectively. Often treatment is based on these tests and the patient's history. If needed, an electrophysiology evaluation would be next.
During an electrophysiology evaluation, an electrophysiologist passes thin flexible wires called catheters through blood vessels from the groin or the neck to the heart. These wires record electrical signals in the heart. "By studying the speed and flow of electrical signals through the heart, rhythm problems and prior heart damage can be identified," Dr. Rami explains. "We can pinpoint areas of the heart that trigger arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms."
What's Next?
If an electrophysiology evaluation indicates that a patient is at high risk for sudden cardiac death, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be the next heart care step recommended. ICDs serve as the first line of defense in preventing sudden cardiac death. Like a pacemaker, ICDs are implanted under the skin. Wires, known as leads, run from the ICD to the heart. The device then monitors the heart to detect any abnormal rhythms.
"If a dangerous arrhythmia occurs, the ICD delivers an electrical shock that restores the heart's regular rhythm," explains Dr. Rami. Sudden cardiac death is prevented before it has a chance to occur.
You're in Good Hands
Electrophysiology is part of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital's complete diagnostic and heart care treatment program. A highly skilled and experienced staff combines knowledge, compassion and commitment in providing for the care of heart patients. For a physician referral to Dr. Rami or a cardiologist in your area, call 281-274-7500.
