PALPITATIONS

EPS & Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Effective Treatment for Palpitations and Arrhythmias

Palpitations are sensations of a racing, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat caused by abnormal heart rhythms known as arrhythmias. When symptoms are persistent or do not improve with medication, advanced minimally invasive procedures like **Electrophysiological Study (EPS)** and **Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)** offer effective diagnosis and treatment.

What is EPS?

An Electrophysiological Study (EPS) is a diagnostic procedure that uses catheter-based electrodes inserted through a vein (usually the groin) to map the heart’s electrical system and identify the source of abnormal rhythms.

What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency Ablation is a treatment often performed after EPS. It uses controlled heat energy to remove the small area of heart tissue causing the irregular heartbeat, helping restore a normal rhythm.

Success Rate

RFA has a high success rate (around 95–99% for specific arrhythmias), offering long-term relief and often eliminating the need for ongoing medications.

Conditions Treated

EPS & RFA are commonly used for:

* Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

* Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) & Atrial Flutter

* Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

* Wolff–Parkinson–White (WPW) Syndrome

Procedure Overview

* Fasting required for 6–8 hours

* Performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation

* Catheters inserted via groin or neck

* Duration: Approximately 90 minutes to 4 hours

Recovery

* Usually overnight observation or same-day discharge

* Bed rest for 4–6 hours after the procedure

* Avoid strenuous activity for 1–2 weeks

* Minor bruising or occasional palpitations may occur during healing

Safety & Risks

EPS and RFA are very safe procedures with rare complications (<0.5%), including bleeding, infection, or injury to heart pathways.

When to Contact Your Doctor ?

Seek immediate care if you experience severe bleeding, fever, persistent pain, or severe recurrent palpitations after the procedure