Learn more about our variety of cardiac electrophysiology tests that can help diagnose abnormal heartbeats or arrhythmia at INTEGRIS Health.
Why Would I Need an Electrophysiology Study? | Electrocardiogram (ECG) | Echocardiogram (Echo) | Holter Monitor | Event Monitor
Mobile Cardiac Monitoring | Implantable Look Recorder | Risks of an EP Study | Returning Home | What Should I Watch For? | Conditions That an EP Study Can Help Identify
Electrical impulses coordinate contractions of the different parts of the heart which helps keep blood flowing. This movement of the heart creates the heartbeat, or heart rhythm.
The electrophysiology study is done by inserting catheters and then wire electrodes which then measure the electrical activity through blood vessels that enter the heart.
There are several variations of the ECG test.
An ECG done while you are lying down.
You are attached to the ECG machine as described above. However, rather than lying down, you exercise by walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike while the ECG is recorded. This test is done to assess changes in the ECG during stress, such as exercise.
This procedure is done in the same manner as a resting ECG, except that your heart's electrical activity is recorded over a longer period of time, usually 15 to 20 minutes. Signal-averaged ECGs are done when arrhythmia is suspected, but not seen on a resting ECG. The signal-averaged ECG has increased sensitivity to abnormal ventricular activity called late potentials.
This procedure evaluates the structure and function of your heart by using sound waves recorded on an electronic sensor that makes a moving picture of the heart and heart valves.
A nonsurgical but invasive test in which a small, thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a large blood vessel in your leg or arm and advanced to your heart. This lets your doctor find the site of the arrhythmia's origin within your heart tissue to determine how to best treat it. Sometimes, your doctor can treat the arrhythmia by doing an ablation at the time of the study.
Problems with your heart's electrical system may be too brief and not seen during the shorter recording times of the resting ECG, so a Holter monitor is used to take a continuous ECG recording over 24 or more hours. Electrodes are attached to your chest and connected to a small portable ECG recorder by lead wires while you go about your daily activities.
This is similar to a Holter monitor, except that you start the ECG recording only when you feel symptoms.
This is similar to both a Holter and an event monitor. The ECG is monitored constantly to allow for the detection of arrhythmias, which are recorded and sent to your doctor regardless of whether you have symptoms. You can also start recording yourself when you have symptoms. These monitors can be worn for up to 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks).
This is a miniature heart recording device that is implanted underneath the skin overlying your heart. It can record the heart rhythm for up to 2 years and is useful in diagnosing intermittent or rarely occurring arrhythmias.
Although an EP study is safe, there are some risks that you should be aware of. We recommend discussing these with your doctor before the procedure.
After you have been cleared to return home, follow the instructions that your caregivers gave you, including any new medications that they have prescribed to you. Most people can start eating and taking their medicine 4-6 hours after the test but confirm with your caregivers.
It is normal for the puncture site to be sore for the next several days. Additionally, expect some bruising around the area as well.
Call 911 if you experience the following:
Call your doctor if you experience the following:
These diagnostic procedures are instrumental in narrowing down the source of your cardiac condition, and are also helpful in managing ongoing treatment and evaluating the efficacy of treatment for conditions such as:
We strive to provide you with care that’s not only the best available, but care that’s convenient and as close to home as possible. These INTEGRIS Health locations near you are ready to help.
