Clinical Electrophysiology
An electrophysiology (EP) study — also called invasive cardiac electrophysiology — is a series of tests that examine the heart's electrical activity.
The heart's electrical system produces signals (impulses) that control the timing of the heartbeats. During an EP study, heart doctors (cardiologists) can create a very detailed map of how these signals move between each heartbeat.
An EP study can help determine the cause of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Sometimes it's done to predict the risk of sudden cardiac death.
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An EP study is performed in a hospital by cardiologists with special training in heart rhythm disorders (electrophysiologists).
Why it's done
An EP study gives a health care provider a very detailed look at how electrical signals move through the heart. Your health care provider may recommend an EP study if:
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You have an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). If you've been diagnosed with an irregular or fast heartbeat — such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or any other type of tachycardia — your health care provider may recommend an EP study to determine the best treatment.
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You fainted. If you had a sudden loss of consciousness (fainting, or syncope), an EP study can help understand the cause.
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You're at risk of sudden cardiac death. If you have certain heart conditions, an EP study can help determine your risk of sudden cardiac death.
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You need cardiac ablation. Cardiac ablation uses heat or cold energy to correct heart rhythm problems. An EP study is always done before cardiac ablation to pinpoint the area of the irregular heart rhythm. If you're having heart surgery, you may have cardiac ablation and an EP study on the same day.
Risks
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As with many tests and procedures, an EP study has risks. Some can be serious. Possible EP study risks include:
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Bleeding or infection
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Bleeding around the heart caused by damage (perforation) to the heart tissue
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Damage to the heart valves or blood vessels
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Damage to the heart's electrical system, which could require a pacemaker to correct
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Blood clots in the legs or lungs
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Heart attack
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Stroke
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Death (rarely)
Talk to your health care provider about the benefits and risks of an EP study to understand if this procedure is right for you.