What is an EP study?
Electrophysiology is a field of heart and vascular care that focuses on your heart’s electrical activity. Cardiologists who specialize in this field, called electrophysiologists, use specialized equipment and perform procedures to diagnose and treat irregular rhythms, or arrhythmias, when your heart’s electrical system doesn’t work properly.
One common diagnostic test electrophysiologists perform is an electrophysiology (EP) study. This study gives physicians a detailed look at your heart’s electrical activity and helps determine appropriate treatments for improving your heart rhythm.
What is an EP study used for?
EP studies can diagnose many different types of arrhythmias. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type.
An EP study can:
- Find out what is causing any abnormal heart rhythms
- Identify from what part of your heart the arrhythmia originates
- Determine your risk of a sudden cardiac event
- Detect what is causing any fainting spells
What to expect with an EP study
Before the procedure
You will need to avoid eating or drinking anything the night before your study. Your care team will let you know if or when you need to stop taking medications.
If you have diabetes, tell your doctor about your diet and insulin regimen, as it can affect blood sugar levels and your results.
During the procedure
The EP study is done under conscious sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the clinical situation, and typically takes two to three hours. Catheters are generally inserted through the femoral vein of a leg near your hip area and then guided to different areas of the heart to record your heart’s electrical activity and log your heart rhythm. A pacemaker can be used to try to induce the arrhythmia, which can help diagnose the cause and determine its location.After the procedure
You may need to spend a few hours in a recovery area before you go home so your team can monitor the IV insertion site for bleeding and swelling.
When you go home, follow your care team’s instructions regarding medications you must take and activities to avoid.
You can start eating and drinking within four to six hours and return to your routine the day after the test.
Avoid driving for at least 24 hours.
EP study side effects
EP studies are safe and effective procedures with minimal side effects. Mild soreness and bruising where the IV was inserted are normal, but if your incision begins to bleed, call your physician.
Also, call your physician if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Bruising that gets worse instead of better
- Color changes, swelling, discharge, numbness or tingling in the area where the IV was inserted
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
Call 911 if you notice:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Increased swelling around the incision
- Sudden, severe bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure
- Signs of stroke (weakness in your arm, drooping face or difficulty speaking)
Next steps after an EP study
Once your electrophysiologist identifies the type of arrhythmia you have and its cause, they can recommend treatment options, such as:
- A Holter monitor or other device that monitors your heart rhythm as you go about your daily activities
- An implantable cardiac defibrillator or pacemaker to regulate your heart rhythm
- Catheter ablation, a procedure in which your doctor scars the heart tissue causing your arrhythmia
Find a location near you
You will find expert, personalized care at all Baylor Scott & White EP lab locations. No matter which lab you visit, you can find convenient follow-up care and additional cardiology services at our locations across Central and North Texas.
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