What Is An Electrophysiology Study?
An electrophysiology study is a test that helps Dr. Ahuja understand if you are having abnormal heart rhythms causing your palpitations or fainting. The procedure tests the electrical activity of your heart to find where an arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) is coming from.
Uses For Electrophysiology Study?
When a patient’s heart doesn’t beat normally, doctors use EPS to find out why. Electrical signals usually travel through the heart in a regular pattern. Heart attacks, aging, and high blood pressure may cause scarring of the heart. This may cause the heart to beat in an irregular rhythm.
Electrophysiology Study Procedure
Dr. Ahuja will start by inserting 3-4 small wires called catheters through the veins in your groins, and then pass them into different chambers of your heart. These catheters both send and record electric signals to and from the heart and record its electrical activity. Doctors use these signals to figure out several things: 1) where an arrhythmia is coming from, 2) how well certain medicines work to treat your arrhythmia, and 3) whether they should treat your problem by doing an ablation (using heat to cure the arrhythmia) or recommending a pacemaker or ICD. The procedure usually lasts about an hour.
What Will The Electrophysiology Study Results Show?
The results can then help him discover if you need medicine, a pacemaker, a defibrillator (ICD), or an ablation. The procedure takes place in a special room called an electrophysiology (EP) lab while you are mildly sedated.
Is Electrophysiology Study Safe?
The electrophysiology study is considered safe. But, as with any procedure, there are potential risks and side effects. Here at Premier Cardiology Consultants, we will explain the risks and determine if electrophysiology studies are right for you.
Risks Of Electrophysiology Study
Some risks of an EP study include:
- Bleeding or vein damage at the site of catheter insertion
- Inducing heart arrhythmia
- Infection at the site of catheter insertion (rare)
Schedule A Consultation
If you or someone you know suffers from an abnormal heart rhythm resulting in palpitations or fainting, contact Premier Cardiology Consultants at 516-437- 5600 to schedule a consultation with our electrophysiologist Dr. Ahuja.
