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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Electrophysiology (EP) Study of the Heart
Introduction
A cardiac electrophysiology (EP) study is a specialized test used to evaluate the electrical system of the heart. It helps diagnose abnormal heart rhythms ( arrhythmias ) and determine the best course of treatment.
Why is an EP Study Performed?
A doctor may recommend an EP study if you have: - Unexplained fainting (syncope) - Fast or irregular heartbeats (tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, etc.) - Risk of sudden cardiac arrest - A history of heart disease leading to arrhythmias
How is the Procedure Performed?
1. Preparation:
- The patient is given a sedative to relax.
- The procedure is done under local anesthesia.
- Thin wires ( catheters ) are inserted into a vein (usually in the groin) and guided to the heart.
2. Electrical Testing:
- Electrodes on the catheters record the electrical activity of the heart.
- The doctor stimulates different areas to identify abnormal rhythms.
3. Possible Additional Procedures:
- Ablation: If an abnormal area is found, it can be treated with radiofrequency energy or cryoablation .
- Pacemaker or ICD Placement: If necessary, a device can be implanted to regulate heart rhythms.
Risks and Recovery
Risks:
- Bleeding or infection at the catheter site
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Rare complications such as damage to heart tissue
Recovery:
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Most patients go home the same day or after a short hospital stay .
- Limited physical activity is advised for 24–48 hours.
Summary
A cardiac EP study is a crucial test for diagnosing and treating arrhythmias. It helps doctors choose the most effective treatment, including medications, ablation, or implantable devices.
Clinical Guidelines
Refer to these clinical guidelines for more information: - American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Heart Rhythm Society Guidelines - European Society of Cardiology Guidelines
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Heart Rhythm Society Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.hrsonline.org/guidance/clinical-resources
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29097296/
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(20)30289-7/fulltext
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/39/4043/7238227
- https://www.escardio.org/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.