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Purpose
The purpose of the EP study is to examine the conduction or electrical
system of the heart. An EP study is done to:
- diagnose a cardiac arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm
- determine the cause of some symptoms such as lightheadedness or fainting
- identify those people who are at risk for developing an arrhythmia
- determine if medical treatment is effective
- determine if a pacemaker or other device is needed
Your heart has the amazing capability of beating 60-100 times a minute
for your entire life. In the majority of people, the heart rhythm stays
regular. However, in some people, the heart beat may become irregular
and/or beat too fast or too slow. Everyone has an irregular heart beat
occasionally. There are some people who have these episodes frequently
and may have symptoms (lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath,
chest discomfort, or fainting among others) with them. Fortunately these
rhythms can be identified and the necessary treatment given.
An abnormal heart rhythm which starts in the top two chambers of the
heart (atria) is called an atrial arrhythmia. A ventricular arrhythmia
occurs when the abnormal heart rhythm begins in the lower two chambers
of the heart or the ventricles.
Before the Study
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before. If the EP
study is scheduled for the afternoon, you may be given a light or liquid
breakfast.
- A thorough history will be taken by the doctor and nurse. In addition,
they will check your blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and temperature.
The nurse will also check the pulses in your legs and feet.
- You will need to sign an informed consent form.
During the Study
The procedure will be done in the EP lab. This room will be cool and
has many pieces of equipment in it.
- You may wear your glasses and dentures.
- An intravenous line (IV) will be started in your arm.
- You will be placed on a heart monitor. Several electrodes will be
placed on your chest. It may be necessary to shave any hair on your
chest where the electrodes may be placed.
- You will be given a sedative to help you relax.
- The doctor will numb your groin where the catheters will be inserted.
This will sting for a few seconds. Then all you should feel is pressure
at the groin site. If you do have any discomfort, tell the doctor or
nurse.
- Several catheters are then inserted through the groin and into your
heart. You will not feel the catheters in your heart but you may have
some extra heartbeats at this time. The doctor watches the catheters
on x-ray.
- Several recordings are made of your heart rhythm. In some cases,
the doctor may try to cause the arrhythmia so it can be studied further.
- Sometimes, an electrical cardioversion may be needed if an arrhythmia
does occur. This involves a small shock delivered to your heart. If
this is necessary, you will be given an anesthetic first. Many times,
the arrhythmia can be stopped with pacing or medications and a shock
is not needed.
- The procedure may last 1-4 hours.
After the Study
- Pressure will be applied to your groin for several minutes to help
stop any bleeding which may occur.
- You will be taken to a room where your heart rhythm can me monitored.
- You will need to stay flat for several hours and then raise the head
of the bed for several hours. Your nurse will tell you how long you
need to stay flat.
- The nurse will check your heart rate, blood pressure, and pulses
often after the procedure.
- The doctor will tell you the results of the EP study. The test may
be normal or you may need further treatment. This may include either
medications, a pacemaker, or an automatic implantable defibrillator.
- In some cases, the EP study will be repeated in a few days.
After the EP study, you and your doctor will discuss the treatments and
decide the best option for you. Please ask you doctor or nurse any questions
about the procedure and treatment plan.
For more information contact:
Jewish Hospital at (877)-JHHS-EDU (toll free) or (502) 587-4072.
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