Electrophysiologic study in chronic Chagas' heart disease

ABSTRACT

Cardiac arrhythmias are common in chagasic patients. Electrophysiologic study is an invasive procedure for the investigation of sinus node function, atrioventricular node conduction and intraventricular (His-Purkinje) conduction and the mechanism of tachycardias. It is useful in elucidating syncope, dizziness and tachycardiac palpitations that remain unexplained by non-invasive diagnostic methods. It is fundamental in directing non-pharmacological therapy, especially in "sudden death" survivors. Chagasic patients may benefit from electrophysiologic study after a critical clinical evaluation.