Why is this procedure done?
Your heart has an electrical system that controls each heartbeat. It sends out electric signals to tell the heart to beat and contract in a normal pattern. Most often, the signals start at the top of the heart and move to the bottom in a coordinated way. This signals your heart to squeeze and pump blood to the rest of your body. The electric signal repeats with each heartbeat. Sometimes the electric signals do not flow normally through your heart. Then you may have serious health problems, like: ‚
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heartbeat is too fast or too slow
- Blood clots
- Decreased blood flow
- Stroke
- Weakened heart
An electrophysiology study is a kind of test. It checks the electrical activity of the heart. It is more detailed than an ECG. It will help your doctor learn what is causing the abnormal flow of electrical signals. Then, your doctor can decide what the best treatment is for you. ‚
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What will the results be?
This test can help your doctor learn about what is causing your abnormal heartbeats. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- Chest x-ray
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- The staff will monitor your blood pressure and heart rhythm during this procedure.
- The doctor will decide what area to use for your procedure. It will either be the area around your upper thigh, arm, or wrist. This area will be shaved, cleaned, and numbed. The doctors will use a needle to make a hole in the blood vessel. Then, a small wire and tube called a catheter will be passed through the needle. The wire and tube will pass through the blood vessel until they reach your heart. The catheter has a special electrical wire on the tip.
- The doctor will take x-rays to see where the wire and catheter are located. The doctor will put dye in the blood vessels to be able to see them better. You may be asked to stay still and hold your breath for a few seconds. The table may move and take pictures of your heart from different angles.
- Using a computer, the doctor will send electrical signals through the wires. You may have pain, trouble breathing, fluttering, or palpitations while the doctor is testing you. Tell your doctor right away what you are feeling. This is very important is you are having pain or trouble breathing.
- The wires will record the electrical activities in different parts of the heart.
- When the tests and images are complete, the tube and wires will be removed. Your doctor will cover your needle site with clean bandages.
- This test may take 3 to 4 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
You will go to the Recovery Room for a few hours. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be watched closely. The staff will check for groin or arm bleeding. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain. You will have to lie flat for a few hours if your procedure is done through the groin. After a few hours, you can begin to walk around with help. Some people are allowed to go home after the procedure. Others have to stay overnight or longer. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Ask your doctor if you need to change your diet. You may be told to eat a heart healthy diet that is low in salt. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly. Ask your doctor what exercise is safe for you. Be sure to ask your doctor before you do any exercise.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Help control your heartbeat
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Irregular heartbeat
- Blood clots
- Stroke or heart attack
- Nerve injury
- Buildup of air in the spaces of the lung and of the chest
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@hcm/documents/downloadable/ucm_300439.pdf ‚
British Heart Foundation ‚
http://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/tests/electrophysiology-tests.aspx ‚
Canadian Heart Rhythm Society ‚
http://www.chrsonline.ca/index.php/heart-rhythm-health-resources/electrophysiology-study-eps-and-catheter-ablation ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚