The heart is an incredible organ that relies on electrical signals to maintain a steady and synchronized beat. However, when these signals go awry, you can develop life-threatening arrhythmias.
Our specialists at Premier Cardiology Consultants in New York use electrophysiology studies to obtain detailed information about your heart’s electrical system. This information helps your cardiologist pinpoint the source of irregular heartbeats and develop a treatment plan that protects your heart health.
Learn more about what to expect during this advanced cardiology procedure.
While occasional palpitations are not generally concerning, persistently irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) can significantly impact your health.
Complications related to undiagnosed or untreated arrhythmias include heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac arrest.
An electrophysiology study helps us determine the cause of irregular rhythm, which area of the heart is affected, and assess the impact on your heart’s ability to function normally.
We may recommend this advanced diagnostic study if you’re experiencing frequent heart palpitations or having problems with dizziness, fainting, unexplained fatigue, or a rapid heart rate.
Underlying causes of arrhythmia include:
Treatments for arrhythmia depend on the cause and severity, ranging from medication to ablation to pacemaker or defibrillator placement.
Your cardiologist will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the study, including stopping routine medications that could interfere with test results. We typically ask that you fast (no food or beverages) for 6-8 hours before the study.
You may also require blood tests, EKGs, or imaging studies to assess your heart's condition before undergoing an electrophysiology study.
We typically perform the study in a hospital setting or outpatient cardiology lab under local anesthesia and conscious sedation.
At the beginning of the study, thin, flexible wires (catheters) inserted into blood vessels, usually through the groin, are guided to the heart via X-ray imaging. The catheters measure the electrical activity inside the heart, detecting the origin of the irregular rhythm.
Your Premier Cardiology Consultants specialist may trigger arrhythmias by sending low-level electrical impulses through the catheters. This can help us better understand the condition affecting your heart’s electrical signaling system.
The procedure can take 1-4 hours, depending on the nature and complexity of the problem. After the study, you will be moved to a recovery area and monitored carefully for several hours.
Depending on the study results, you may be discharged home the same day or remain for further observation or treatment.
You can expect slight discomfort when the catheter is inserted, such as a pinch or pressure sensation. Mild tenderness and bruising at the insertion site are common, but the test is generally well tolerated, and sedation before the procedure helps you relax.
Protect your heart and your overall health. Schedule an evaluation at Premier Cardiology Consultants today.
