An electrophysiology study, also called an EP study or EPS, is a test that examines the electrical signals that control your heartbeat. It can help your care team identify where an abnormal heart rhythm begins and determine which treatment may be appropriate.
An EP study is performed by a cardiac electrophysiologist, a cardiologist with advanced training in the heart’s electrical system and heart rhythm disorders.
Your heartbeat is controlled by electrical signals that travel through the heart. When those signals do not begin or travel normally, the heart may beat too quickly, too slowly or irregularly.
During an EP study, thin, flexible tubes called catheters are guided through blood vessels and into the heart. The catheters record electrical activity from inside the heart and can deliver small electrical impulses to study how the signals travel.
The test can help your electrophysiologist:
Your care team may recommend an EP study when other tests have not provided enough information or when more detailed testing is needed before treatment.
An EP study may be ordered if:
Not everyone with a suspected arrhythmia needs an EP study. Your provider may first recommend an electrocardiogram, portable heart monitor, echocardiogram or other testing.
Learn more about heart rhythm disorder diagnosis and treatment.
An EP study may help diagnose or evaluate several heart rhythm disorders, including:
The test may also be used to assess the risk of certain dangerous heart rhythms or gather information before an ablation or implanted-device procedure.
Your care team will give you instructions based on your health, medications and the reason for the test.
Before the study, you may be asked to:
Tell your care team about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements you take.
Do not stop a heart medicine or blood thinner unless your provider tells you to do so.
Your care team will explain whether you will receive sedation or anesthesia and whether you should expect to go home the same day.
An EP study is performed in a specialized cardiac procedure room or electrophysiology lab.
During the study:
You may feel your heart speed up, flutter or skip beats when electrical impulses are delivered. Tell your care team if you feel discomfort or other symptoms.
The length of the study depends on what your physician needs to evaluate and whether treatment is performed during the same procedure.
An EP study may show:
Sometimes the study does not trigger or identify an arrhythmia. Your care team may recommend additional rhythm monitoring or other testing if your symptoms continue.
In some cases, catheter ablation may be performed immediately after the EP study. This is more likely when the study is being done to locate an arrhythmia that may be treated with ablation.
During ablation, the electrophysiologist applies energy to small areas of heart tissue that are causing or carrying abnormal electrical signals.
Your care team should discuss the possibility of ablation with you before the procedure. You will be asked to provide consent for any treatment that may be performed.
Ablation may not be completed during the same procedure if:
Learn more about heart ablation.
After the catheters are removed, pressure or a closure device may be used at the insertion site. You will be monitored while the sedation wears off and while your care team checks for bleeding or other concerns.
You may need to lie flat for several hours.
Many patients go home the same day after an EP study. You may need to stay overnight if you had an ablation or implanted-device procedure, have another medical condition that requires monitoring or your care team has concerns about your recovery.
Before you leave, your care team will explain:
Mild bruising, soreness or a small lump at the insertion site may occur.
EP studies are generally considered safe, but all invasive procedures have risks.
Possible risks include:
The risks vary based on your health, the reason for the study and whether another procedure is performed at the same time.
Your electrophysiologist will explain the risks that apply to you before the study.
Contact your care team for increasing pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding at the insertion site.
Call 911 for severe chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding or signs of a stroke.
Your electrophysiologist will review what the study showed and explain the next steps.
Depending on the results, your care team may recommend:
The recommended plan will depend on the type of rhythm disorder, your symptoms, your overall heart health and the risks associated with the arrhythmia.
Banner Health specialists can help you understand your results and determine the next step in your care.
Sign in to Patient Account
