For Patients

How the Heart Works

Common issues

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest
  
• Syncope
• Arrhythmia

Diagnosis

Procedures

Heartistry - the art of taking care of your heart

For Patients

How The Heart Works as an Electric Pump

The heart's electrical system transmits electrical impulses all through blood system within the heart to control the rhythmic pumping of blood. These electrical impulses are controlled by the sinus node (1), a group of specialized cells that act as the heart's natural pacemaker.

From the sinus node, the electrical impulses are transmitted to the heart's upper chambers (Right and Left Atrium 2 and 3) which cause contractions that pump blood into the lower (Right and left ventricles 4 and 5.) Electrical impulses then spread to the atrioventricular (AV) node (6) where they are buffered before passing through the ventricles. Specialized muscle fibers in the ventricles distribute the impulses that cause them to contract and pump blood.

Blood carries the oxygen and nutrients that keep the cells of the body functioning and alive and functioning, so a strong circulation of blood throughout the body is a vital component of good health. Electrical signals from the sinus node keep the heart pumping at a healthy pace to sustain the rest of the body.
 

When there is a problem with the heart's electrical system, its pumping power is reduced causing blood circulation problems -- the body does not get the full supply of oxygen that it needs.

That's where electrophysiology comes in to provide various ways to re-establish a regular heart rhythm.