FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTONS

Frequently Asked Questions
<Back to FAQs index page>

Presented in part with the support of Novartis Pharmaceuticals and Boston Scientific / Guidant

Electrophysiology Study

What is an EP study?
An electrophysiology (EP) study is a test of your heart's electrical system. While an electrocardiogram (ECG) gives an overview of your heart's electrical system, the EP study gives a more in-depth view. The test helps find out details about abnormal heart rhythms, called arrhythmias. The EP study can reveal:

• If you have an arrhythmia
• The cause of the arrhythmia
• Where the arrhythmia begins in the heart
• If you are at risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)
• The best treatment for an arrhythmia

The EP study begins when one or more leads are inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin. The doctor gently "steers" the leads toward your heart. Once in place, the leads sense your heart's electrical activity. One special lead also delivers electrical signals to your heart to trigger an arrhythmia. That’s to help find out how easily your heart can produce arrhythmias on its own.

During the EP study, your doctor closely monitors your heartbeats. If an arrhythmia occurs, the doctor treats you with:

• Medications given through the intravenous (IV) line in your arm or hand
• Electrical signals delivered to the outside of your chest through patches

In some cases, ablation (a form of treatment) is done at the same time as your EP study. (To learn about ablation, go to the Procedures part of the Medications& Procedures section.) Or your doctor can suggest other types of treatment after the EP study.

What can I expect?
Your test will be performed in a "cath lab." You undress, put on a hospital gown or sheet, and lie on an exam table. An intravenous (IV) line put into your arm delivers fluids and medications during the test. The medication makes you groggy, but not unconscious. Patches called electrodes are put on your chest. The electrodes monitor your heart's electrical signals during the test. A blood pressure cuff on your arm also regularly takes your blood pressure.

The doctor makes a small incision (usually in the groin) for the catheter. The groin area will be numbed so you shouldn't feel pain, but you may feel some pressure as the catheter is inserted. If the doctor delivers electrical signals to your heart, you might feel your heart racing or pounding. You won't be fully asleep, so during the test your doctor or nurse might ask you questions. Afterwards you may be in the hospital overnight, but most people have a fairly rapid recovery.

Important Safety Information
Medications, procedures and tests can have some risks and possible side effects. Results may vary
from patient to patient. This information is not meant to replace advice from your doctor. Be sure to talk
to your doctor about these risks and possible side effects.

GUIDANT is a trademark and HEARTISTRY is a service mark of Guidant Corporation.

Guidant Corporation
4100 Hamline Avenue North
St. Paul, MN 55112-5798 USA
Tel: 651.582.4000 Fax: 651.582.4166
Medical Professionals: 1.800.CARDIAC (227.3422) Toll Free
Patients and Families: 1.866.GUIDANT (484.3268) Toll Free
www.guidant.com

©2006 Guidant Corporation All rights reserved. C4-196-0506

| Home | About Us | Prestigious Accreditations | Physicians | Services | FAQs | Links | Directions | Disclaimer | Contact Us |

Cardiology Associates of Fort Lauderdale, P.A.
4725 N. Federal Hwy, Suite #401
The Jim Moran Heart and Vascular Center
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Phone: (954) 772-2136
Fax: (954) 772-7156

©2010, Cardiology Associates of Fort Lauderdale, P.A. All rights reserved.
Web site by Ticsay Internet.