[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Electrophysiology Procedure” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:inherit|color:%23007df3″][vc_column_text font_size=”18px” color=”#000000″]An electrophysiology (EP) study is a test performed to assess your heart’s electrical system or activity and is used to diagnose abnormal heartbeats or arrhythmia.
The test is performed by inserting catheters and then wire electrodes, which measure electrical activity, through blood vessels that enter the heart.
When you arrive at the hospital, the final steps to prepare for the EP study are:
- For your comfort, empty your bladder as completely as possible. A bedpan or urinal will be available during the procedure. Depending on the length of your precedure, a catheter may be inserted to drain your bladder of urine during the procedure.
- A small intravenous (IV) needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm to administer drugs, if necessary.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4563″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”There are two parts to the EP study:” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:inherit|color:%23007df3″][vc_column_text font_size=”18px” color=”#000000″]
- Recording the heart’s electrical signals to assess the electrical function
- Pacing the heart to bring on certain abnormal rhythms for observation under controlled conditions
Medications are sometimes used to stimulate your arrhythmia. You may feel your heart racing or pounding. This may make you anxious, but you needn’t be alarmed. The doctors want to induce the abnormal rhythm causing your problem, so they can treat the arrhythmia. If you have any uncomfortable symptoms — such as chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea and pain — tell your nurse or doctor.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Your Role During the Study” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:inherit|color:%23007df3″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text font_size=”18px” color=”#000000″]Try to remain calm and relaxed. Don’t move your arms or legs in the sterile working area. If you feel any discomfort, let your doctors or nurses know immediately, so they can help you get comfortable.
In the controlled environment of the EP laboratory, induced arrhythmias are handled by well-trained personnel with state-of-the-art equipment. This is an important tool that allows your doctor to gain information about your arrhythmia that will help prevent future occurrences.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]