Lab Study Patient Information: Electrophysiology

If your doctor has determined you have a heart rhythm disturbance you will be given an EP (electrophysiology) Study. The day of your test you will be admitted to the outpatient floor. There you will have an IV started and will be brought to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab. You will be awake during the procedure, but will receive IV medication to help you relax.

Once on the examination table, you will be attached to several monitoring devices which measure your heart rate and blood pressure. Special catheters are placed to monitor the electrical conduction of your heart. The area where the catheters will be placed, usually the groin or neck, will be cleansed with antiseptic solution.

The doctor will prepare the catheter site by injecting a local anesthetic to numb it. This will burn for 30 seconds or so, but once the medicine takes effect you shouldn't feel any discomfort. After the area is numb the catheters will be placed. The doctor will then evaluate the conduction system of your heart by giving it a series of small electrical impulses that cause your heart to beat at different rates. You may feel a few skipped beats, but should not be alarmed. If you experience any chest pain or discomfort you should let the staff know.

In some cases, a rapid heart rate may occur, and you may even pass out. A small shock can be given to restore your normal rhythm. This may sound frightening, but because of being sedated, most patients don't even realize they have passed out. You are often asked questions such as "Do you feel dizzy?" "Do you feel faint?" "Is this similar to the way you feel when your heart rate is irregular?"

The test takes generally between one to two hours. After the catheters are removed a nurse will bandaid the sites. The doctor will discuss the results of the test with you while you are in the lab.

Once in your room, you will need two hours of bedrest to monitor the catheter sites. While resting, the nurse may check the catheter sites for bleeding, bruising or oozing; feel the pulses in your feet to ensure you have good circulation and monitor your heart rate and blood pressure.

You will be able to eat once you are returned to your room. After two hours of bedrest you will be asked to walk around to make certain the site has stopped bleeding. Your nurse will give you instructions upon discharge from the hospital. You may be sent home with medication to control your heart rhythm or additional treatments may be necessary.

At home, clean the sites using gentle soap and warm water and pat the area dry. Do not use lotions or powders on the sites for the next several days. If you notice any redness or draining at the sites contact your physician.