An electrophysiology (EP) study gathers information about the electrical system in the heart to find the cause of heart rhythm problems.

During an electrophysiology (EP) study, your doctor and his or her accompanying medical assistance team will insert small wires called electrode catheters into the heart through a blood vessel. The catheters may direct electrical signals to your heart to stimulate it and test for an arrhythmia. They also may be used to map where abnormal signals are coming from in the heart. During an EP study, catheters may be used to regulate the heartbeat to stop an arrhythmia or to perform a catheter ablation, which treats an arrhythmia.

What to Expect During your Visit

• In order to test for an arrhythmia, electrical signals may be sent to your heart in an attempt to induce an arrhythmia and record any reactions.
• You may be given medications to speed up heart rhythm to see how the heart responds.
• The heart may be given an electrical shock (defibrillation) during the study to stop an arrhythmia.