Role of electrophysiologic testing in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with known and suspected bradycardias and tachycardias

Electrophysiologic testing has made possible more accurate diagnosis and treatment of recurrent tachycardias and syncopal episodes. The rapid expansion in clinical electrophysiology is reflected both in the number of reports in the literature and in the texts, monographs, and reviews appearing in recent years.^1-8 The challenge for the 1980s will be the continued refinement of present studies and the identification of high-risk patients for the development of bradycardias or tachycardias who warrant prophylactic treatment. Over the last decade, a battery of tests has been developed to assess the electrophysiologic function of cardiac tissues. The details of these tests vary among investigators. Occasionally, differences in investigator's assumptions, experience, or definitions may result in marked differences in viewpoints or conclusions, much to the consternation of the unwary reader. This article will review some fo the electrophysiologic tests and procedures currently in use, their applications, and reliability.