EP study
About this test
An electrophysiology (EP) study is a series of tests that examine the heart's electrical activity. It's also called an invasive cardiac electrophysiology test. The heart's electrical system produces signals that control the timing of the heartbeats. During an EP study, heart doctors, called cardiologists, can create a very detailed map of how these signals move between each heartbeat.
Why it's done
An EP study gives your healthcare team a very detailed look at how electrical signals move through the heart. You may need an EP study if: You have an irregular heart rhythm, called an arrhythmia. If you have an irregular or fast heartbeat, such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or any other type of tachycardia, an EP study can help determine the best treatment. You fainted. If you had a sudden loss of consciousness, an EP study can help determine the cause. You're at risk of sudden cardiac death. If you have certain heart conditions, an EP study can help determine your risk of sudden cardiac death. You need a treatment called cardiac ablation. Cardiac ablation uses heat or cold energy to correct irregular heart rhythms. An EP study is always done before cardiac ablation to find the area of the irregular heart rhythm. If you're having heart surgery, you may have cardiac ablation and an EP study on the same day.
Risks and complications
As with many tests and procedures, an EP study has risks. Some can be serious. Possible EP study risks include: Bleeding or infection. Bleeding around the heart caused by damage to the heart tissue. Damage to the heart valves or blood vessels. Damage to the heart's electrical system, which could require a pacemaker to correct. Blood clots in the legs or lungs. Heart attack. Stroke. Death, rarely. Talk to a healthcare professional about the benefits and risks of an EP study to learn if this procedure is right for you.
How to prepare
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of an EP study. If you take any medicines, ask your care team if you should continue taking them before your test. Your care team tells you if you need to follow any other special instructions before or after your EP study.
Understanding your results
Your healthcare team shares the results of your EP study with you after the test, usually at a follow-up appointment. Treatment recommendations may be made based on the results.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.