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Reading Lists
EXAM PREPARATION & STUDY TIPS

Disclaimer

Exam candidates should be aware that the IBHRE exams are not written according to any single text. The reading lists and resources that are referenced by IBHRE are recommended guides for exam candidates. The list of recommended resources promoted by IBHRE is not exclusive and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed means of passing the exam. There is no guarantee that the answers to all IBHRE exam questions will be found within these references. It is also possible that the references listed may have perceptions, which differ from those of IBHRE. For purposes of the examination, the IBHRE interpretation will prevail.

IBHRE does not recommend any one course of study or means of preparing for the exam over another. Due to its relationship with the Heart Rhythm Society, IBHRE promotes the HRS Online Self-Assessment program and EP Workbook but does not endorse them as the sole recommended resources for exam preparation. Completing HRS education and exam preparation programs does not guarantee success on the exam. Independent organizations that sponsor review courses for the purpose of preparing candidates for the IBHRE exams are free to do so as long as the IBHRE name and licensed marks are not misrepresented.

Study Tips

IBHRE offers the following tips to candidates planning to take any of the IBHRE certification exams:

  • Refer to your experience in the field, drawing from on-the-job training and clinical experience in implant procedures and EP studies.
  • Consult at least one textbook on general pacing/defibrillation or electrophysiology and a variety of review articles and reports on major clinical trials.
  • Review the IBHRE Recommended Reading lists as a reference of pertinent texts
  • Study pertinent articles in PACE (Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology) and JCE (Journal of Cardiac Electrophysiology)
  • Seek out articles concerning arrhythmias (particularly review articles) in major cardiology journals from over the past two decades.
  • Review the Exam Blueprint (Content Outline) for a comprehensive outline of the content that will appear on the exam. The Blueprint includes the percentage of the exam each content area will cover.
  • Take the Computer-Based Testing Tutorial prior to exam day to become familiar with the exam format and the functionality of the computerized caliper and calculator tools.

Questions? E-mail or call us at (202) 464-3400.

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Cardiac RHYTHM DEVICE THERAPY PHYSICIAN AND ALLIED PROFESSIONAL RECOMMENDED Reading List

Candidates taking the Certification Examination of Competency in Cardiac Rhythm Device Therapy for the Physician or Allied Professional are expected to have broad knowledge in three general areas:

  1. Basic science as it applies to cardiac pacing and device management of tachyarrhythmias, which includes the basic concepts of anatomy, physiology, electrophysiology of conduction and stimulation, the mechanisms of bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias, and pathophysiology and pharmacology as they pertain to implantable devices.
     

  2. Applied science and technology, which includes pulse generator and lead (electrode) design and function, the basic concepts of sensing (cardiac and extracardiac signals, crosstalk), stimulation (Ohm’s Law, the strength duration curve, impedance, etc.) and knowledge of pacemaker and device timing cycles.
     

  3. Clinical practice and indications for pacing and use of implantable antitachycardia devices (monitoring, complications, drug effects, programming and results), electrocardiography and radiology. This material may be found in journals and books on cardiac pacing.

The following texts are recommended by IBHRE as possible resources for exam preparation. The lists below are not exclusive as other texts may also prove useful for the purpose of exam preparation. By listing the texts below, IBHRE does not imply that all texts should be consulted in preparation for the exam. Familiarity with any or all of these texts does not guarantee successful completion of the exam.

Cardiac Rhythm Device Therapy Recommended Reading List
 For the Physician and Allied Professional

Updated 2010

Major Textbooks

1.   Ellenbogen KA, Kay GN, Wilkoff BL, Lau CP. Clinical Cardiac Pacing and Defibrillation. 3 ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 2006.

2.   Hayes DL, Friedman RA. Cardiac Pacing, Defibrillation and Resynchronization: A Clinical Approach. Hoboken NJ: Wiley-Blackwell, 2008.

Other Books

3.   Barold SS, Ritter P. Devices for Cardiac Resynchronization:: Technologic and Clinical Aspects, New York, NY: Springer, 2007.

4.   Barold SS, Stroobandt RX, Sinnaeve AF, Cardiac Pacemakers Step by Step: An Illustrated Guide. Hoboken NJ: Wiley-Blackwell, 2003.

5.   Ellenbogen, KA, and Wood,MA. Cardiac Pacing and ICDs, 5th ed. Hoboken NJ: Wiley Blackwell. 2008.

6.   Strooband X, Barold S, Sinnaeve AF. Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators Step-by-Step: An Illustrated Guide. Hoboken NJ: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009.

7.   Yu CM, Hayes DL, Auricchio A. Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy. 2nd edition. Hoboken NJ: Wiley-Blackwell. 2008.

Defibrillation

8.   A Comparison of Antiarrhythmic-Drug Therapy With Implantable Defibrillators in Patients Resuscitated From Near-Fatal Ventricular Arrhythmias. The Antiarrhythmics Versus Implantable Defibrillators (AVID) Investigators. New England Journal of Medicine 1997; 337(22): 1576-1583.

9.   Bristow MR. Saxon LA. Boehmer J. Krueger S. Kass DA. De Marco T. Carson P. DiCarlo L. DeMets D. White BG. DeVries DW. Feldman AM. Comparison of Medical Therapy, Pacing, and Defibrillation in Heart Failure (COMPANION) Investigators. Cardiac-Resynchronization Therapy With or Without an Implantable Defibrillator in Advanced Chronic Heart Failure. New England Journal of Medicine. 350(21):2140-50, 2004.

10. Buxton AE, Lee KL, DiCarlo L, Echt DS, Fisher JD, Greer GS, Josephson ME, Packer D, Prystowsky EN, Talajic M. Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia in Coronary Artery Disease: Relation to Inducible Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia. MUSTT Investigators. Annals of Internal Medicine 1996; 125(1): 35-39.

11. Buxton AE, Lee KL, Fisher JD, Josephson ME, Prystowsky EN, Hafley G. A Randomized Study of the Prevention of Sudden Death in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease. New England Journal of Medicine 1999; 341(25): 1882-1890.

12. Buxton AE, Lee KL, Fisher JD, Josephson ME, Prystowsky EN, Hafley G. A Randomized Study of the Prevention of Sudden Death in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease. Multicenter Unsustained Tachycardia Trial Investigators. New England Journal of Medicine 1999; 341(25): 1882-1890.

13. Buxton AE, Lee KL, DiCarlo L, Gold MR, Greer GS, Prystowsky EN, O'Toole MF, Tang A, Fisher JD, Coromilas J, Talajic M, Hafley G. Electrophysiologic Testing to Identify Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Who Are at Risk for Sudden Death. Multicenter Unsustained Tachycardia Trial Investigators. New England Journal of Medicine 2000; 342(26): 1937-1945.

14. Causes of Death in the Antiarrhythmics Versus Implantable Defibrillators (AVID) Trial. The AVID Investigators. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1999; 34(5): 1552-1559.

15. Domanski MJ, Saksena S, Epstein AE, Hallstrom AP, Brodsky MA, Kim S, Lancaster S. Relative Effectiveness of the Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator and Antiarrhythmic Drugs in Patients With Varying Degrees of Left Ventricular Dysfunction Who Have Survived Malignant Ventricular Arrhythmias. AVID Investigators. Antiarrhythmics Versus Implantable Defibrillators. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1999; 34(4): 1090-1095.

16. Kadish A, Dyer A, Daubert JP, Quigg R, Estes NA, Anderson KP, Calkins H, Hoch D, Goldberger J, Shalaby A, Sanders WE, Schaechter A, Levine JH. Defibrillators in Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Treatment Evaluation (DEFINITE) Investigators. Prophylactic Defibrillator Implantation in Patients With Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy. New England Journal of Medicine. 350(21):2151-8, 2004. 

17. Larsen G, Hallstrom A, McAnulty J, Pinski S, Olarte A, Sullivan S, Brodsky M, Powell J. Cost-Effectiveness of the Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Versus Antiarrhythmic Drugs in Survivors of Serious Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias: Results of the Antiarrhythmics Versus Implantable. Circulation 2002; 105(17): 2049-2057.

18. Lee KL, Hafley G, Fisher JD, Gold MR, Prystowsky EN, Talajic M, Josephson ME, Packer DL, Buxton AE, Multicenter Unsustained Tachycardia Trial Investigators. Effect of Implantable Defibrillators on Arrhythmic Events and Mortality in the Multicenter Unsustained Tachycardia Trial. Circulation 2002; 106(2): 233-238.

19. Maron BJ, Shen WK, Link MS, Epstein AE, Almquist AK, Daubert JP, Bardy GH, Favale S, Rea RF, Boriani G, Estes NA, III, Spirito P. Efficacy of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators for the Prevention of Sudden Death in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. New England Journal of Medicine 2000; 342(6): 365-373.

20. Moss AJ, Hall WJ, Cannom DS, Daubert JP, Higgins SL, Klein H, Levine, JH, Saksena S, Waldo AL, Wilber D, Brown MW, Heo M. Improved Survival With an Implanted Defibrillator in Patients With Coronary Disease at High Risk for Ventricular Arrhythmia. Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial Investigators. New England Journal of Medicine 1996; 335(26):1933-1940.

21. Moss AJ, Zareba W, Hall WJ, Klein H, Wilber DJ, Cannom DS, Daubert JP, Higgins SL. Prophylactic Implantation of a Defibrillator in Patients With Myocardial Infarction and Reduced Ejection Fraction. New England Journal of Medicine 2002; 346(12): 877-883.

22. Schron EB, Exner DV, Yao Q, Jenkins LS, Steinberg JS, Cook JR, Kutalek SP, Friedman PL, Bubien RS, Page RL, Powell J. Quality of Life in the Antiarrhythmics Versus Implantable Defibrillators Trial: Impact of Therapy and Influence of Adverse Symptoms and Defibrillator Shocks. Circulation 2002; 105(5): 589-594.

23. Swerdlow C et al The Dilemma of ICD Implant Testing PACE 2007: 30: 675-700.

24. Wathen MS, Sweeney MO, DeGroot PJ, Stark AJ, Koehler JL, Chisner MB, Machado C, Adkisson WO. PainFREE Investigators. Shock Reduction Using Antitachycardia Pacing for Spontaneous Rapid Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease. Circulation. 104(7):796-801, 2001.

Pacing

25. Connolly SJ, Sheldon R, Roberts RS, Gent M. The North American Vasovagal Pacemaker Study (VPS). A Randomized Trial of Permanent Cardiac Pacing for the Prevention of Vasovagal Syncope. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1999; 33(1): 16-20.

26. Connolly SJ, Kerr CR, Gent M, Roberts RS, Yusuf S, Gillis AM, Sami MH, Talajic M, Tang AS, Klein GJ, Lau C, Newman DM. Effects of Physiologic Pacing Versus Ventricular Pacing on the Risk of Stroke and Death Due to Cardiovascular Causes. Canadian Trial of Physiologic Pacing Investigators. New England Journal of Medicine 2000; 342(19): 1385-1391.

27. Ellenbogen KA. Cardiac Pacing. Cardiology Clinics 18, 1-239. 2000.

28. Epstein A et al. ACC/AHA/HRS 2008 Guidelines for Device-Based Therapy of Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities Circulation 2008; 117:e350-e408.

29. Goldschlager N, Epstein A, Friedman P, Gang E, Krol R, Olshansky B, North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (NASPE) Practice Guideline Committee. Environmental and Drug Effects on Patients With Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter/Defibrillators: A Practical Guide to Patient Treatment. Archives of Internal Medicine. 161(5):649-55, 2001.

30. Josephson ME, Maloney JD, Barold SS, Flowers NC, Goldschlager NF, Hayes DL et al. Guidelines for Training in Adult Cardiovascular Medicine. Core Cardiology Training Symposium (COCATS 3). Task Force 6: Training in Specialized Electrophysiology, Cardiac Pacing and Arrhythmia Management. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2008; 51:374-80.

31. Lamas GA. Ellenbogen KA. Evidence Base for Pacemaker Mode Selection: From Physiology to Randomized Trials. Circulation. 109(4):443-51, 2004.

32. Lamas GA, Lee KL, Sweeney MO, Silverman R, Leon A, Yee R, Marinchak RA, Flaker G. Ventricular Pacing or Dual-Chamber Pacing for Sinus-Node Dysfunction. New England Journal of Medicine 2002; 346(24): 1854-1862.

33. Sutton R. Guidelines for Pacemaker Follow Up. Report of a British Pacing and Electrophysiology Group (BPEG). Heart 1996; 76(5): 458-460.

Biventricular Pacing

34. Abraham WT, Fisher WG, Smith AL, Delurgio DB, Leon AR, Loh E, Kocovic DZ, Packer M. Cardiac Resynchronization in Chronic Heart Failure. New England Journal of Medicine 2002; 346(24): 1845-1853.

35. Cazeau S, Leclercq C, Lavergne T, Walker S, Varma C, Linde C, Garrigue S, Kappenberger L, Haywood GA, Santini M, Bailleul C, Daubert JC, Multisite Stimulation iC. Effects of Multisite Biventricular Pacing in Patients With Heart Failure and Intraventricular Conduction Delay. New England Journal of Medicine 2001; 344(12): 873-880.

36. Cleland J et al The Effect of Cardiac Resynchronization on Morbidity and Mortality in Heart Failure (CARE-HF) New England Journal of Medicine 2005; 352:1539-1549.

37. Ellenbogen KA, Kay GN, Wilkoff BL (eds.), Device Therapy for Congestive Heart Failure Elsevier Science, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2004.

38. Kuhlkamp V, The I., Initial Experience With an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Incorporating Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2002; 39(5): 790-797.

39. Lozano I, Bocchiardo M, Achtelik M, Gaita F, Trappe HJ, Daoud E, Hummel J, Duby C. Impact of Biventricular Pacing on Mortality in a Randomized Crossover Study of Patients With Heart Failure and Ventricular Arrhythmias. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology 2000; 23(11 Pt 2): 1711-1712.

40. McAllister FA Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy for Patients With Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction A Systematic Review JAMA 2007 297: 2502-2514.

41. Saxon LA, De Marco T, Schafer J, Chatterjee K, Kumar UN, Foster E, VIGOR C. Effects of Long-Term Biventricular Stimulation for Resynchronization on Echocardiographic Measures of Remodeling. Circulation 2002; 105(11): 1304-1310.

42. Stellbrink C, Breithardt OA, Franke A, Sack S, Bakker P, Auricchio A, Pochet T, Salo R. Impact of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Using Hemodynamically Optimized Pacing on Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients With Congestive Heart Failure and Ventricular Conduction Disturbances. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2001; 38(7): 1957-1965.

Lead Extraction

43. Byrd CL, Wilkoff BL, Love CJ, Sellers TD, Reiser C. Clinical Study of the Laser Sheath for Lead Extraction: The Total Experience in the United States. PACE 2002; 25(5): 804-808.

44. Henrikson CA, Brinker JA, How to prevent, recognize, and manage complications of lead extraction Part 1: Avoiding lead extraction—infectious issues, Heart Rhythm 2008; 5(7): 1083-1087.

45. Henrikson CA, Brinker JA, How to prevent, recognize, and manage complications of lead extraction. Part II: Avoiding lead extraction—noninfectious issues. Heart Rhythm 2008; 5(8): 1221-1223.

46. Henrikson CA, Brinker JA, How to prevent, recognize, and manage complications of lead extraction. Part III: Procedural factors. Heart Rhythm 2008; 5(9): 1352-1354.

47. Kay GN, Brinker JA, Kawanishi DT, Love CJ, Lloyd MA, Reeves RC, Pioger G, Overland MK, Ensign LG, Grunkemeier GL. The Risks of Spontaneous Injury and Extraction of an Active Fixation Pacemaker Lead: Report of the Accufix Multicenter Clinical Study and World-Wide Registry. Circulation 1999; 100: 2344-2352.

48. Wilkoff B, Love C et al Transvenous Lead Extraction: Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus on Facilities, Training, Indications, and Patient Management. Heart Rhythm 2009; 6 (7), 1085- 1104.

Papers & Guidelines

49. Epstein et al ACC/AHA/HRS 2008 Guidelines of Device-Based Therapy of Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities, JACC 2008; 51 e1-e62.

50. Maisel W, Hauser R et al, Recommendations from the HRS Task Force on Lead Performance Policies & Guidelines, Heart Rhythm  6(6), 2009.

51. McAlister FA, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy for Patients with Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction: A Systematic Review. JAMA. 2007; 297: 2502-2514.

52. Swerdlow C & Friedman P Advanced ICD Troubleshooting Part I PACE 2005; 28: 1322-1346.

53. Swerdlow C & Friedman P Advanced ICD Troubleshooting Part II PACE 2006;29(1):70-96.

54. Wilkoff et al, HRS Expert Consensus on the Monitoring of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices, Heart Rhythm 2008;5(6), 907-925.

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Cardiac Electrophysiology Allied PROFESSIONAL Recommended Reading List

Candidates taking the Certification Examination of Competency in Cardiac Electrophysiology for the Allied Prefessional are expected to have basic knowledge in three general areas:

  1. Basic science as it applies to the management of cardiac arrhythmias, which includes the basic concepts of anatomy, physiology, electrophysiology of conduction, impulse formation, stimulation and drug response, the mechanisms of tachycardia and bradycardia, as well as the pathophysiology and pharmacology pertaining to their management.

  2. Applied science and technology, which includes the ablation and surgical management of arrhythmias, the electrocardiography and mechanism of drug management of arrhythmias, pulse generator and lead (electrode) design and function.

  3. Clinical practice, which includes the diagnosis, indications and results of arrhythmia and the management of syncope. This knowledge can derive from clinical practice and from reading journals and books concerning electrophysiology of arrhythmias.

Additionally, candidates are encouraged to consult updated position statements and guidelines posted on the Heart Rhythm Society website (http://www.hrsonline.org/).

The following texts are recommended by IBHRE as possible resources for exam preparation. The lists below are not exclusive as other texts may also prove useful for the purpose of exam preparation. By listing the texts below, IBHRE does not imply that all texts should be consulted in preparation for the exam. Familiarity with any or all of these texts does not guarantee successful completion of the exam.

Cardiac Electrophysiology Recommended Reading List
For the Allied Professional

Updated 2010

  1. Braunwald E, Bonow R, Libby P (eds). Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th edition. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders, 2007.
     
  2. Cohen TJ, Practical Electrophysiology, 2nd Edition. Malvern PA: HMP Communications. 2009.
     
  3. Epstein A et al. ACC/AHA/HRS 2008 Guidelines for Device-Based Therapy of Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities Circulation 2008; 117:e350-e408.
     
  4. Ellenbogen, KA, and Wood,MA. Cardiac Pacing and ICDs, 5th edition. Hoboken, NJ:  Wiley-Blackwell, 2008.
     
  5. Fisch C. Electrocardiography of Arrhythmias. Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger, 1990.
     
  6. Fogoros R. Electrophysiologic Testing. 4th edition. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers, 2006.
     
  7. Grubb B and Olshansky B. Syncope: Mechanisms and Management, 2nd edition, Armonk, NY: Futura Publishing Co., 2005.
     
  8. Hayes D, Friedman P. Cardiac Pacing, Defibrillation and Resynchronization: A Clinical Approach, 2nd edition. Hoboken, NJ:  Wiley-Blackwell, 2008.
     
  9. Hayes D, Asirvatham S. Dictionary of Cardiac Pacing, Defibrillation, Resynchronization and Arrhythmias 2nd edition. Minneapolis, MN: Cardiotext Publishing, 2007.
     
  10. Huang SK, Wood MA. Catheter Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmias. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders, 2006.
     
  11. Hummel JD, Kalbleisch SJ, Dillon J. Pocket Guide for Cardiac Electrophysiology. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders, 2000.
     
  12. Josephson M. Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Techniques and Interpretations. 4th edition. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008.
     
  13. Klein G, Prystowsky E. Clinical Electrophysiology Review. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1996.
     
  14. Kost M. Moderate Sedation/Analgesia. 2nd edition. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company, 2004.
     
  15. Marriott H. Advanced Concepts in Arrhythmias. 3rd edition. St. Louis, MO: CV Mosby, 1998.
     
  16. Naccarelli G (ed). EPSAP II, Electrophysiology Self-Assessment Program. Baltimore, MD: Produced by the American College of Cardiology and Jointly Sponsored by NASPE, 2000.
     
  17. Obias-Manno D, Gura M, Shea J (eds.) Electrophysiology and Device Therapy. AACN Clinical Issues 2004; 15(3): 303-497.
     
  18. Podrid PJ and Kowey RP. Cardiac Arrhythmia: Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Management, 2nd edition. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 2001.
     
  19. Prystowsky E and Klein G. Cardiac arrhythmias. An Integrated Approach for the Clinician. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1994.
     
  20. Rodeman BJ. Conscious Sedation During Electrophysiology Testing and Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation. Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America, 9(3): 313-324, 1997.
     
  21. Schurig L, Gura M, and Taibi B. Educational Guidelines. Pacing and Electrophysiology. 2nd edition. Armonk, NY: Futura Publishing Co., 1997.
     
  22. Shenasa M, Hindricks G, Borggrefe M, Breithardt G. Cardiac Mapping.  3rd edition.  Hoboken, NJ:  Wiley-Blackwell.  2009.
     
  23. Singer I and Kupersmith J. Clinical Manual of Electrophysiology. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1993.
     
  24. Sweesy MW, Holland JL, Smith KW. Basic Clinical Electrophysiology. Simpsonville, SC: Cardiac Device Consultants, Inc. 2006.
     
  25. Tawara S. The Conduction System of the Mammalian Heart: An Anatomico-Histological Study of the Atrioventricular Bundle and the Purkinje Fibers. River Edge, New Jersey: World Scientific Pub. Co, 2000.
     
  26. Wilber D, Packer D, Stevenson W. Catheter Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmias: Basic Concepts and Clinical Applications. 3rd edition. Hoboken NJ: Wiley-Blackwell, 2008.
     
  27. Zipes DP, DiMarco JP, Gillette PC et al. Guidelines for Clinical Intracardiac Electrophysiologic and Catheter Ablation Procedures. ACC/AHA Task Force Report. Circulation, 92: 673-691, 1995.
     
  28. Zipes DP, Jalife J (eds). Cardiac Electrophysiology: From Cell to Bedside. 5th edition. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company, 2009.

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Cardiac Electrophysiology PHYSICIAN Recommended Reading List

Candidates taking the Certification Examination for Competency in Cardiac Electrophysiology for the Physician are expected to have basic knowledge in three general areas:

  1. Basic science as it applies to the management of cardiac arrhythmias, which includes the basic concepts of anatomy, physiology, electrophysiology of conduction, impulse formation, stimulation and drug response, the mechanisms of tachycardia and bradycardia, as well as the pathophysiology and pharmacology pertaining to their management.
     

  2. Applied science and technology in the management of arrhythmias, including electrocardiography, mechanism of drug action, interventional management of arrhythmia such as catheter mapping, ablation and implantable device.
     

  3. Clinical practice in arrhythmia management, which includes assessment of symptoms, cardiac disease, diagnostic workup, risk stratification, indications for tests, procedures and management of arrhythmia.

This knowledge can derive from clinical practice, reading journals and books
concerning electrophysiology of arrhythmias. Additionally, candidates are encouraged
to consult updated position statements and guidelines posted on the Heart Rhythm\
Society website (http://www.hrsonline.org/).

The following texts are recommended by IBHRE as possible resources for exam preparation. The lists below are not exclusive as other texts may also prove useful for the purpose of exam preparation. By listing the texts below, IBHRE does not imply that all texts should be consulted in preparation for the exam. Familiarity with any or all of these texts does not guarantee successful completion of the exam.

Cardiac Electrophysiology Recommended Reading List
For the Physician

Updated 2011

PEDIATRIC EP TEXTS

  1. Allen HD, Driscoll DJ, Shaddy RE, Feltes TF (eds). Moss and Adams’ Heart Disease in Infants, Children and Adolescents. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer / Lippincot Williams & Wilkins, 2008 (Part III: Electrophysiology, Chapters 10-15; Part IV: Therapeutic Methods, Chapter 17).

  2. Berger S, Campbell RM, Karpawich PP (eds). Sudden Death in the Young: Symposium Proceedings. Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology 32, Issue Supplements 2, pp. 1-298, 2009.

  3. Deal BJ, Johnsrude CL, Buck SH (eds). Pediatric ECG Interpretation: An Illustrative Guide. Austin, TX: Futura Publishing, 2004.

  4. Deal BJ, Wolff GS, Gelband H. Current Concepts in Diagnosis and Management of Arrhythmias in Infants and Children. Austin, TX: Futura Publishing, 1998.

  5. Keane JF, Flyer DC, Lock JE. Nadas’ Pediatric Cardiology. 2nd Edition. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders & Co, 2006 (Chapters 12 & 29).

  6. Maron BJ, Chaitman BR, Ackerman MJ, et al. Working Groups of the American Heart Association Committee on Exercise, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and Prevention; Councils on Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Disease in the Young. Recommendations for physical activity and recreational sports participation for young patients with genetic cardiovascular diseases. Circulation. 2004 Jun 8;109(22):2807-16.

  7. Saul JP, Epstein AE, Silka MJ, et al; American College of Cardiology; American Heart Association; Heart Rhythm Society; Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society. Heart Rhythm Society/Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society Clinical Competency Statement: training pathways for implantation of cardioverter-defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices in pediatric and congenital heart patients. Heart Rhythm. 2008 Jun;5(6):926-33.

  8. Walsh EP, Saul JP, Triedman J (eds.). Cardiac Arrhythmias in Children and Young Adults with Congenital Heart Disease. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 2001.

  9. Walsh EP, Saul JP, Triedman J (eds.). Current Concepts of Pediatric Electrophysiology. Baltimore, MD: Lippincot, Williams & Wilkins, 2001: 301-317.

ADULT EP TEXTS

  1. Braunwald E, Bonow R, Libby P (eds). Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th edition. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders, 2007.

  2. Cohen TJ, Practical Electrophysiology, 2nd Edition. Malvern PA: HMP Communications. 2009.

  3. Epstein A et al. ACC/AHA/HRS 2008 Guidelines for Device-Based Therapy of Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities Circulation 2008; 117:e350-e408.

  4. Ellenbogen, KA, and Wood,MA. Cardiac Pacing and ICDs, 5th edition. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell, 2008.

  5. Fisch C. Electrocardiography of Arrhythmias. Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger, 1990.

  6. Fogoros R. Electrophysiologic Testing. 4th edition. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers, 2006.

  7. Gatzoulis MA, Webb GD, Daubeney PEF. Diagnosis and Management of Adult Congenital Heart Disease. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone, 2003 (Chapters 16-18).

  8. Grubb B and Olshansky B. Syncope: Mechanisms and Management, 2nd edition, Armonk, NY: Futura Publishing Co., 2005.

  9. Hayes D, Friedman P. Cardiac Pacing, Defibrillation and Resynchronization: A Clinical Approach, 2nd edition. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell, 2008.

  10. Hayes D, Asirvatham S. Dictionary of Cardiac Pacing, Defibrillation, Resynchronization and Arrhythmias 2nd edition. Minneapolis, MN: Cardiotext Publishing, 2007.

  11. Huang SK, Wood MA. Catheter Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmias. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders, 2011.

  12. Hummel JD, Kalbleisch SJ, Dillon J. Pocket Guide for Cardiac Electrophysiology. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders, 2000.

  13. Josephson M. Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Techniques and Interpretations. 4th edition. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008.

  14. Klein G, Prystowsky E. Clinical Electrophysiology Review. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1996.

  15. Kost M. Moderate Sedation/Analgesia. 2nd edition. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company, 2004.

  16. Marriott H. Advanced Concepts in Arrhythmias. 3rd edition. St. Louis, MO: CV Mosby, 1998.

  17. Naccarelli G (ed). EPSAP II, Electrophysiology Self-Assessment Program. Baltimore, MD: Produced by the American College of Cardiology and Jointly Sponsored by NASPE, 2000.

  18. Obias-Manno D, Gura M, Shea J (eds.) Electrophysiology and Device Therapy. AACN Clinical Issues 2004; 15(3): 303-497.

  19. Podrid PJ and Kowey RP. Cardiac Arrhythmia: Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Management, 2nd edition. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 2001.

  20. Prystowsky E and Klein G. Cardiac arrhythmias. An Integrated Approach for the Clinician. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1994.

  21. Rodeman BJ. Conscious Sedation During Electrophysiology Testing and Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation. Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America, 9(3): 313-324, 1997.

  22. Schurig L, Gura M, and Taibi B. Educational Guidelines. Pacing and Electrophysiology. 2nd edition. Armonk, NY: Futura Publishing Co., 1997.

  23. Shenasa M, Hindricks G, Borggrefe M, Breithardt G. Cardiac Mapping. 3rd edition. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell. 2009.

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