What does an electrophysiology study assess?

An electrophysiology study is specifically designed to evaluate the heart's electrical activity and its conduction pathways. This type of assessment is crucial for diagnosing arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats caused by problems with the electrical signals that coordinate the heart's beats. During the study, electrodes are typically placed in or near the heart to measure the electrical impulses and to identify any abnormalities in the heart's rhythm.

In contrast, the other choices focus on different aspects of cardiovascular health. Blood flow in peripheral arteries pertains to vascular assessments rather than electrical functions. Structural abnormalities of the heart involve imaging techniques or other forms of analysis to detect physical issues, while cholesterol buildup in veins is related to lipid levels and vascular health rather than the heart's electrical system. Thus, B is the only choice that accurately reflects the primary focus of an electrophysiology study.