What do you need to know about the EP study?

What do you need to know about the EP study?

EP study. Overview. An electrophysiology (EP) study is a test used to understand and map the electrical activity within your heart. An EP study may be recommended in people with heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) and other heart problems to understand the exact cause and determine which treatment is most likely to be effective.

How are EP studies used to predict sudden cardiac death?

Doctors also use EP studies to predict the risk of sudden cardiac death in certain situations. An EP study involves placing diagnostic catheters within your heart and running specialized tests to map the electrical currents.

Can you have cardiac ablation and an EP study?

Cardiac ablation uses heat or cold energy to correct heart rhythm problems. An EP study is always done before cardiac ablation to pinpoint the area of the abnormal heart rhythm. If you’re having heart surgery, you may have cardiac ablation and an EP study on the same day. As with many tests and procedures, an EP study has risks.

What does an electrophysiology study tell you about your heart?

Quick facts. Electrophysiology studies test the electrical activity of your heart to find where an arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) is coming from. These results can help you and your doctor decide whether you need medicine, a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), cardiac ablation or surgery.

What happens during an electrophysiology ( EPs ) test?

What happens during EPS? At a hospital or clinic, doctors and nurses do EPS in a room that has special equipment for the tests. You may hear this room called the electrophysiology laboratory, or EP lab. Some call it the catheterization laboratory (cath lab). During the test: A nurse will put an IV (intravenous line) in your arm.

What happens to your body after an EP test?

Following your EP study, you’ll be moved to a recovery area to rest quietly for four to six hours. Your heartbeat and blood pressure will be monitored continuously to check for complications. Most people go home the same day. Plan to have someone else drive you home after your test and to take it easy for the rest of the day.

When to stop taking medications before an EP test?

If you take any medications, ask your doctor if you should continue taking them before your test. Your doctor will let you know if you need to follow any other special instructions before or after your EP study. In some cases, you’ll be instructed to stop taking medications to treat a heart arrhythmia several days before your test.