Electrophysiological mapping of cardiac arrhythmias: importance for the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms and the therapeutic and toxic effects of antiarrhythmic drugs

Cardiac arrhythmias are manifested as an abnormality in the rate and pattern of beating of the heart that is often caused by disease. Electrophysiological mapping can be used to determine the mechanism causing arrhythmias in different pathological conditions and their response to therapeutic interventions. Electrophysiological mapping is an invaluable tool for the study of abnormalities of the heart. Although the technique was developed in the experimental laboratory and is widely used there, it has been introduced into the clinic and is now used to study the cause of arrhythmias in human patients and to guide the choice of appropriate therapy. >