What You Need to Know About Cardiac Electrophysiology

Cardiac electrophysiology looks at how electricity keeps your heart beating. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a cardiac rhythm disorder, an electrophysiology study may help.

If you've ever wondered what happens during an electrophysiology study, why it's performed, or what the results mean, you're not alone. We answer your questions about this essential branch of cardiac medicine and how it can help keep your heart beating.

What is cardiac electrophysiology?

Cardiac electrophysiology studies the heart’s electrical system. Healthy hearts send out tiny electrical signals that make the muscle squeeze and pump blood through your body. But for patients with a cardiac rhythm disorder, or an arrhythmia, those electrical signals don’t spread through the heart muscle correctly

Cardiac electrophysiology can diagnose and treat conditions involving abnormal heart rhythms caused by the heart’s electrical system.

What’s the difference between cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology?

Cardiology is a medical specialty that focuses on the heart and blood vessels. A cardiologist helps patients prevent, diagnose and treat heart disease. A cardiac electrophysiologist is a cardiologist who specializes in finding and treating problems with the heart’s electrical system.

How does electrophysiology work?

Cardiac electrophysiology works by studying the heart’s electrical system to find out why it may be beating irregularly. During a test called an electrophysiology, or EP study, doctors can see how the heart’s electrical signals are moving and where any problems—like irregular rhythms—are coming from. This helps them decide the best way to treat the issue, such as with medication, a pacemaker, or a procedure like cardiac ablation.

What conditions does electrophysiology treat?

Electrophysiology can pinpoint the cause of many different heart rhythm problems. Some heart issues commonly treated with electrophysiology include, but are not limited to:

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib): A fast, irregular heartbeat that can lead to stroke or heart failure.
• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): A rapid heartbeat that starts in the heart's upper chambers.
• Ventricular tachycardia (VT): A fast heartbeat that starts in the heart’s lower chambers and can be life-threatening.
• Bradycardia: A heartbeat that is too slow.
• Heart block: A delay or complete block in the heart’s electrical signals.

What is an electrophysiology study?

An electrophysiology study, or EP study, is a test that checks how your heart’s electrical system is working. During the test, a doctor puts thin, flexible tubes called catheters into a blood vessel through a small cut and guides them to your heart. These catheters have sensors that send and receive electrical signals that move through your heart by sending pulses, causing it to beat faster or slower. This shows the cause of the problem and the exact spot to fix it.

Sometimes, the doctor decides cardiac ablation is the best treatment and performs it during the study. A cardiac ablation uses heat or cold to make tiny scars in the heart. This blocks the faulty electrical signals and restores a more regular heartbeat.

Is electrophysiology invasive?

An EP study is a minimally invasive procedure. The small cut used in this test is usually made in the groin, but it can also be placed in the arm or neck.

How long does an electrophysiology study take?

An EP study usually lasts between one and four hours. If a cardiac ablation is done at the same time, the procedure may take longer.

Afterwards, you will be moved to a recovery area for four to six hours. Most patients go home the same day. If any other procedure was performed during the study, you will likely stay in the hospital for 24 hours.

Are electrophysiology studies safe?

Yes. The American Heart Association says EP studies are very safe in most cases. But all medical procedures have risks. Risks of an EP study include arrhythmia, heart attack, stroke, blood clots or infection at the insertion site.

Is an electrophysiology study painful?

No, an EP study isn’t painful. You might feel some discomfort when your heart speeds up or slows down during the test. Let your medical team know right away if you feel any pain.

Will I be sedated during an electrophysiology study?

Yes, you will be sedated during an EP study, but you’ll usually remain awake. Patients are given a sedative through an IV to help them relax. You’ll also receive a local anesthetic (pain medication) to numb the area where the catheters are placed. This helps keep you comfortable while allowing you to respond to instructions during the test.

If you feel discomfort or pain during the procedure, your medical team can give you additional medication to help manage it.

When do I receive the results from an electrophysiology study?

You’ll usually get some results right after the procedure. The cardiac electrophysiologist will explain the full results at your follow-up appointment and discuss any next steps, such as treatment options or additional testing.

Schedule your appointment today.

At North Oaks Health System, we take your heart health seriously. Patients experiencing symptoms of or diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder can benefit from cardiac electrophysiology tests and treatment. To find out if electrophysiology is the right treatment plan for you, please call North Oaks Cardiology to schedule an appointment at (985) 230-7351.