An electrophysiology study, also called an EP study or invasive cardiac EP testing, is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the electrical activity of your heart. This test can help diagnose and locate abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias.
The heart's electrical system generates signals, or impulses, that control the timing of each heartbeat. These impulses ensure your heart beats in a coordinated and regular manner, pumping blood efficiently throughout your body. In an EP study, our skilled cardiologists create an intricate map of these signals' pathways from one heartbeat to the next.
By understanding how your heart's electrical signals travel, we can identify any disruptions or abnormalities causing your heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. This test provides valuable information that helps guide treatment decisions and improve your heart's overall health.
This specialized procedure is conducted in a hospital setting by our team of cardiologists with special training in heart rhythm disorders, also known as electrophysiologists. At North Atlanta Heart & Vascular Center, we are committed to providing you with the highest level of care, ensuring you understand your tests, diagnoses, and treatment options.
Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced EP doctors near you in North Atlanta. We look forward to providing you with personalized, compassionate care.
Your doctor may recommend an electrophysiology procedure if you have symptoms of an arrhythmia, such as:
A comprehensive cardiac evaluation and discussion with your cardiologist will help determine if an EP study is the right next step in understanding and managing your heart health.
Our team will provide you with specific instructions before your appointment. However, we generally advise patients to:
Before the procedure begins, you will be given a mild sedative to help you relax, and numbing medicine will be applied. Then, our experienced electrophysiologists will insert thin, flexible wires equipped with electrodes into your body to measure the electrical signals of your heart.
Once the electrodes are in place, our doctors will stimulate your heart to create arrhythmias while monitoring its electrical activity. This process allows us to identify the cause and location of any abnormal signals and determine the best treatment options for you.
The length of an EP study can vary from patient to patient but typically takes between one to four hours.
After your procedure, you will be monitored for several hours to ensure that there are no complications. You may experience some mild discomfort or bruising at the insertion site, which should go away within a few days. Our team will provide you with specific instructions and follow-up care before sending you home.
If the results of your EP study reveal an underlying heart rhythm disorder, our team will discuss your treatment options with you and create a personalized plan for managing your condition.
Scheduling at North Atlanta Heart & Vascular Center is easy! With simple and convenient online scheduling, you can book a same- or next-day appointment with an electrophysiology cardiologist at one of our offices in Alpharetta, Cumming, or Dawsonville. Don't wait any longer—contact us today!