P, T.K., M, A.K.S., Zerpa, A.J.C., A, E.K., Sabine, E., Parham, G.T., A, G.M., Jodie, H., Dhanunjaya, L., Prashanthan, S., & M, R.A. (2026). Occupational hazards in cardiac electrophysiology: Insights from an HRS member survey.. Heart rhythm. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrthm.2025.10.001
P TK, M AKS, Zerpa AJC, A EK, Sabine E, Parham GT, et al. Occupational hazards in cardiac electrophysiology: Insights from an HRS member survey.. Heart rhythm. 2026; doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2025.10.001
P TK, M AKS, Zerpa AJC, et al. Occupational hazards in cardiac electrophysiology: Insights from an HRS member survey.[J]. Heart rhythm. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2025.10.001.
@article{p2026,
author = {Tamirisa Kamala P and Al-Khatib Sana M and Acosta Juan Carlos Zerpa and Ellenbogen Kenneth A and Ernst Sabine and Graham Tara Parham and Gunawardene Melanie A and Hurwitz Jodie and Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya and Sanders Prashanthan and Russo Andrea M},
title = {Occupational hazards in cardiac electrophysiology: Insights from an HRS member survey.},
journal = {Heart rhythm},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.1016/j.hrthm.2025.10.001},
note = {PMID: 41342823},
}
TY - JOUR AU - Tamirisa Kamala P AU - Al-Khatib Sana M AU - Acosta Juan Carlos Zerpa AU - Ellenbogen Kenneth A AU - Ernst Sabine AU - Graham Tara Parham AU - Gunawardene Melanie A AU - Hurwitz Jodie AU - Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya AU - Sanders Prashanthan AU - Russo Andrea M TI - Occupational hazards in cardiac electrophysiology: Insights from an HRS member survey. T2 - Heart rhythm PY - 2026 DO - 10.1016/j.hrthm.2025.10.001 AN - PMID:41342823 ER -
BACKGROUND: Cardiac electrophysiologists and electrophysiology (EP) laboratory professionals face underexplored occupational hazards, including direct and indirect effects of radiation exposure, orthopedic strain, and pregnancy-related concerns. Despite advances in radiation-reduction strategies, cumulative exposure continues to merit attention. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to better understand these occupational risks. METHODS: A 20-question global (multiple-choice and open-ended) survey was distributed to Heart Rhythm Society members, including EP physicians and nonphysician members (nurses, technologists, allied professionals, and clinical specialists). The survey collected data on health risks, including pregnancy-related challenges. RESULTS: Of 30,663 contacted, 1336 (4.4 %) responded, including 974 physicians (72.9%), 299 nonphysicians (22.4%), and 63 clinical specialists (4.7%). Respondents included 413 women (30.9%), 910 men (68.1%), 3 nonbinary (0.22%), and 10 preferring not to disclose (0.7%). Malignancies were reported by 97 (7.8%), including various solid tumors in 29 (29.9%), thyroid cancer in 15 (15.5%), and breast cancer in 11 (11.3%). Among 242 women who had been pregnant (63.5%), 121 (50%) reported complications, including miscarriage in 64 (27.1%), in vitro fertilization in 35 (14.8%), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in 21 (8.9%), and fetal growth problems/preterm labor in 23 (9.8%). Premature cataracts (<50 years) were reported by 46 (3.7%). Orthopedic injuries were reported by 481 (41%); 325 (67.6%) required physical therapy or exercise, and 109 (22.7%) had surgery. CONCLUSION: EP professionals reported notable health challenges, highlighting the need for greater awareness, preventive strategies, policies, and further research to enhance workplace safety in the EP laboratory.