Electrophysiological Studies
What is an Electrophysiological (EP) study?
Electrophysiological (EP) studies allow the
heart's electrical activity to be analysed in
great detail. This test has revolutionised the way we understand
and treat fast or abnormal heart
rhythms. However, at the moment it is only available
at some hospitals in the UK.
How is an electrophysiology study done?
The hospital will ask you not to eat or drink anything for a few
hours before the procedure. The test usually takes about 2-3 hours,
but can sometimes take longer. Thin flexible tubes, called
catheters are placed into a vein, usually in the
groin. You will have a local anaesthetic injection which numbs the
area where the catheters are put in. You will probably be given
sedation to help relax you during the procedure.
As the tubes are inserted, you may feel a sensation or
discomfort in your chest, but this should not be painful. The
catheters are gently moved into the position in the heart, where
the special electrode tip stimulates the heart and
records the electrical activity. This may make you feel as if you
are having palpitations and can make some people feel dizzy. You
should tell the staff if you experience any symptoms. Abnormal
heart rhythms often happen during the test. These can help with the
results of the test but occasionally may need to be treated during
the EP study.
What happens after the test?
When the test is over, the catheters are removed. Sometimes
there may be a small amount of bleeding when they are taken out. A
nurse or doctor will press on the area for a short while to stop
any bleeding. You will be asked to stay in bed for a while
afterwards.
The test is sometimes done as a day case, however most
people will need to stay in hospital overnight. You may feel tired
afterwards, but you should feel back to normal within a few
days.
What can the test show?
Continuous monitoring with an ECG during electrophysiological testing
can help to diagnose abnormal heart rhythms and can identify which
areas of your heart are affected. If you have an abnormal heart
rhythm the test can also show if it is being controlled effectively
with certain medicines.
If the cause of your abnormal heart rhythm is found, the doctor may
be able to treat the problem during the test, by using
radio frequency electrical energy to destroy the
areas inside the heart which are causing the abnormal rhythm. This
is called catheter ablation.
Are there any risks to having an electrophysiology study?
An electrophysiology study does involve a very small amount of
risk. This will be explained to you before you give your consent to
have the test.
If there is bleeding from the area where the catheter is
inserted, it can sometimes leave a haematoma (which is when blood
collects under the skin). This can feel uncomfortable and cause
bruising.
There is a small risk of damage to the heart's normal electrical
pathways. If this happens an artificial pacemaker may need to be fitted.
Your doctor will not recommend that you have this procedure
unless they think the benefits outweigh the risks.
Further information
Tests for Heart Conditions booklet
Palpitations booklet
Rhythm not Blues video
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