If you’re struggling with heart problems, your Dayton, OH vascular doctor may require that you get an electrophysiology study. This is also known as an EP study. But what does an EP study require and what will it help diagnose? The experienced staff at Buckeye Heart and Vascular Institute tell you everything you need to know about EP studies.
What Does an EP Study Do?
EP studies are done to observe the rhythm and electrical function of your heart. The results of this study can be analyzed to determine if things or abnormal and to see if you’ll need further studies or treatment for the problem. Your vascular doctor in Dayton, Ohio may also use an event monitor, a Holter monitor, or electrocardiogram to make sure that you get the right diagnosis.
Your doctor will usually recommend this procedure because of one of the following:
- You have symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, and palpitations that could be connected to a problem with your heart’s rhythm.
- You need a cardiac ablation and they need to determine the best route.
- You’re on anti-arrhythmia medication and they need to see if it’s working properly.
- They need to find the exact location of your abnormal heart rhythm.
The doctor may also suggest that you get one so that they can make sure that they give you the best treatment for your specific condition. An EP study is an important procedure.
The EP Study Process
Before the study takes place, you aren’t able to eat or drink anything but water for eight hours. We can give you an IV line for medications if necessary. We also make sure that you’re relaxed and ready for this procedure to take place, as it is an invasive one.
An EP study may take hours to complete fully. We measure your vitals throughout the entire study to make sure that everything is running smoothly. We want to make sure that you’re as comfortable as possible while this is taking place.
During this study, your doctor will be using both catheters and IV lines to take a look at that electrical activity in your heart. This is to show if you have an abnormal heart rhythm. If needed, we may also give you a medication or shock to the hard to stop that abnormal heart rhythm. This may be the only treatment you need to correct the heart problems that you’ve been having.
If it’s determined that a shock or medication cannot fix your heart rhythm, the doctor will use this study to figure out a future treatment plan. The results of the study will be analyzed so that we can find the best treatment for you. We’ll only suggest treatments that are relevant to your condition and we believe have a solid chance of getting your heart back on track.
EP Studies with Your Vascular Doctor in Dayton, Ohio
At Buckeye Heart and Vascular Institute, our experienced team is here to do what it takes to solve your abnormal heart rhythm. Call us today or schedule an appointment online!