Electrophysiology Study
An electrophysiology study looks at the heart’s electrical activity to diagnose a heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) or the risk of sudden cardiac death.
A Close Look at the Heart’s Electrical System
An electrophysiology (EP) study creates a clear map of your heart’s electrical signals between heartbeats. This test helps your electrophysiologist determine the cause of your heart rhythm disorder and aid your heart care team in creating the most personalized treatment plan.
Why you may need an EP study
You may need an EP study if:
What happens during an EP study
Performed in a specialized lab, a heart rhythm specialist generates a detailed map of a patient’s heartbeat during an EP study.
The test takes about two hours. Electrodes are attached to your chest and back to connect you to monitoring equipment. You’ll also most likely have to wear a blood pressure cuff. You will lie down in a relaxed and still position throughout the procedure. In some cases, medication may be used to stimulate your heart arrhythmia so it can also be recorded. You may feel your heart race, but it’s important to remember it’s happening in a controlled environment.
One or more long thin tubes, or catheters, are inserted through a large vein in your neck or thigh and guided to your heart. Sensors send electrical signals to the heart and record its activity, allowing the electrophysiologist to see important details.
Once the EP study is complete, you’ll have a complete 3D EP map of your heart. This detailed picture allows electrophysiologists, in collaboration with other members of your cardiac care team, to determine the best treatment for you.
Learn more about Wellstar heart rhythm care and find an electrophysiologist near you.
Why you may need an EP study
You may need an EP study if:
- You have an irregular heartbeat.
- You’ve fainted and the cause is unknown.
- You have certain pre-existing heart conditions such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or any other type of tachycardia.
- You're at risk of sudden cardiac death.
- You’re planning to have a cardiac ablation.
What happens during an EP study
Performed in a specialized lab, a heart rhythm specialist generates a detailed map of a patient’s heartbeat during an EP study.
The test takes about two hours. Electrodes are attached to your chest and back to connect you to monitoring equipment. You’ll also most likely have to wear a blood pressure cuff. You will lie down in a relaxed and still position throughout the procedure. In some cases, medication may be used to stimulate your heart arrhythmia so it can also be recorded. You may feel your heart race, but it’s important to remember it’s happening in a controlled environment.
One or more long thin tubes, or catheters, are inserted through a large vein in your neck or thigh and guided to your heart. Sensors send electrical signals to the heart and record its activity, allowing the electrophysiologist to see important details.
Once the EP study is complete, you’ll have a complete 3D EP map of your heart. This detailed picture allows electrophysiologists, in collaboration with other members of your cardiac care team, to determine the best treatment for you.
Learn more about Wellstar heart rhythm care and find an electrophysiologist near you.