An electrophysiology (EP) study is a test performed to assess your heart’s electrical system or activity and is used to diagnose abnormal heartbeats or arrhythmia. The test is performed by inserting catheters and then wire electrodes, which measure electrical activity, through blood vessels that enter the heart.
An EP study may be recommended in people with heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) and other heart problems to understand the exact cause and determine which treatment is most likely to be effective. Doctors also use EP studies to predict the risk of sudden cardiac death in certain situations.
An EP study can stimulate and diagnose abnormal heart rhythms and identify which areas of your heart are affected.
Your doctor may recommend an EP study if you:
- Are undergoing cardiac ablation.An EP study is done at the beginning of a cardiac ablation procedure for arrhythmia. Cardiac ablation uses heat or cold energy to create scar tissue in the heart to block erratic electrical signals.
- Experience a temporary loss of consciousness (syncope).People who experience syncope may undergo an EP study to understand the cause.
- Have a risk of sudden cardiac death.If you have a heart condition that increases your risk of sudden cardiac death, an EP study may help your doctor better understand your risk.
- Are undergoing heart surgery.If you’re preparing for a heart operation in which cardiac ablation may be performed at the same time, your doctor may recommend an EP study.