Publication Date
Winter 12-1-2011
School
College of Arts and Sciences
Major
Biology: Molecular Biology
Primary Subject Area
Biology, Physiology
Keywords
Cardiac Electrical Conduction System, Cardiac System, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiac Ablation
Disciplines
Cardiology | Other Medical Specialties
Abstract
The cardiovascular system is vital for human survival. It has many functions and many components; the most important is the heart. The heart is a muscular organ that distributes blood throughout the cardiovascular system. Heart contraction is controlled by an electrical conduction system within the heart. The electrical activity can be visualized in a recording known as an electrocardiogram (ECG). This conduction system can malfunction causing a heart arrhythmia. Some heart arrhythmias can be dangerous, causing illness or death. Improved techniques in imaging have allowed the growth of the clinical discipline interventional electrophysiology. Medical personnel can now change some abnormal electrical patterns thorough a procedure known as the ablation technique.