Electrophysiology Study in Dayton OH

Electrophysiology Study An Overview

An electrophysiology study, or EP study, is performed to analyze the electrical or rhythm function of the heart. The Buckeye Heart & Vascular Institute offers EP studies as part of our heart and vascular services to diagnose cardiovascular disease. The heart’s rhythm function is what affects the heart rate and heartbeat.

A physician may require an EP study to address an abnormally fast rhythm disturbance or to assess the potential for developing arrhythmias. If necessary, patients may also undergo one or a series of the following tests to diagnose their heart rhythm disorder:

Event Monitor
Holter Monitor
Electrocardiogram (EKG)

The results of an EP study will help your physician determine if further treatment is needed.

At Buckeye Heart & Vascular Institute, our electrophysiologist can perform EP studies to determine or locate the source of an abnormal heart rhythm. During an EP study, an electrophysiologist uses a specialized electrode catheter to send electrical signals to your heart and record its electrical activity. The results of an EP study can help your physician decide if medication, pacemaker, implantable defibrillator, cardiac ablation, or cardiac surgery is the right solution to treat your condition.

Visit Buckeye Heart & Vascular Institute for all your heart and vascular testing needs. We partner with many highly reputable healthcare providers to bring you only the best non-invasive treatments in Ohio. Our vascular medicine physicians, led by board-certified physician Dr. Sukir Sinnathamby, specialize in providing accurate diagnoses and state-of-the-art treatments for disorders of the veins, arteries, and lymphatic system outside the heart.

Electrophysiology Study What to Expect

Why are electrophysiology studies performed?

A physician may recommend an electrophysiology study to:

Determine if symptoms like fainting, dizziness, and palpations are linked to a cardiac rhythm problem
Determine the appropriate route for a cardiac ablation
See if a prescribed anti-arrhythmia medication is working effectively
Determine the location of the abnormal heart rhythm

Before the Study

Before we begin, we will ensure you are comfortable and relaxed. You can’t eat or drink anything (other than water) at least 8 hours before the study. We will insert an intravenous (IV) line to administer medications if needed.

During your Electrophysiology Study

During an EP study, your doctor will use catheters and IV lines to examine the electrical activity in your heart. Our task is to find any heart rhythm abnormalities. Patients may also receive medication or a shock to stop the heart rhythm abnormality. During an EP study, we closely monitor you to minimize the risk of any complications.

Since this is an invasive procedure, we will ensure you are comfortable throughout the process. Throughout the procedure, we monitor vitals like the heart rate, breathing rate, oxygen level, and blood pressure. An EP study may take a few hours to complete.

After your Electrophysiology Study

After you complete the EP study, your physician can decide if further testing is needed or what type of treatment best suits your needs. Your results may indicate a need for a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. We will determine the next steps and only recommend the most relevant treatments. Schedule a comprehensive evaluation today.

Electrophysiology Study FAQs

How long will an electrophysiology study take?: An electrophysiology study can take between three to six hours, depending on your condition when entering the procedure.
When do you perform an Electrophysiology Study?: If a patient has an irregular heartbeat, sometimes cardiologists will use an electrophysiology study to study why it may be off. Some conditions such as high blood pressure and heart attacks can cause a heart to beat abnormally. EP studies can help address what may be causing the irregular heartbeat and, hopefully, aid in deciding what treatment will best help fix the issue.
What can I expect after the study?: Most patients report zero complications or difficulties after an electrophysiology study. We recommend that patients not eat for at least 6 hours after their study and do not drive until 24 hours after. Some bruising is common after the procedure. If you experience numbness, tingling, or extreme coldness in your hand, call your doctor and make them aware of how you feel.

Electrophysiology Study Dayton, OH