An Electrophysiology (EP) study is a test which records the electrical activity of your heart. This test is used to help determine the cause of a rhythmic disturbance that your heart may be having and can also determine the origin of the problem. After having this test done, the doctor will have a better understanding of your condition and will be able to find the best treatment for you.

The Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab is located at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center - Main Campus.

Before the test

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the test, but if you must take any medicine, only take them with a very small sip of water.
• Wear comfortable clothing to the hospital to make it more convenient for you to change into a gown. Also leave all valuable items, such a jewelry, at home.
• Make sure to have someone available to take you home if you are able to go home the same day as the procedure, which your doctor will decide.

During the test

When you enter into the test room, the nurse will direct you to lie on the bed, where she will start an IV into your arm or hand. This is used to receive medications which will relax you and make you drowsy but won’t put you to sleep.

When you enter into the test room, the nurse will direct you to lie on the bed, where she will start an IV into your arm or hand. This is used to receive medications which will relax you and make you drowsy but won’t put you to sleep.

The nurse will then connect you to several monitors.

Your groin will be shaved and cleaned with an antiseptic solution. You will also be covered with sterile full body drapes along with a strap that extends from your waist to your arms to prevent the sterile area from being contaminated.

The electrophysiologist will numb your groin and insert several catheters into the vein of your groin. These catheters will be lead to your heart by the guidance of the fluoroscopy machine. They are able to evaluate your heart by sensing the electrical activity.

The doctor will then use a pacemaker to deliver electrical impulses to the heart to increase your heart rate through the use of the catheters. Make sure to tell the nurses and doctor exactly what you are feeling at this point.

If your arryhythemia occurs at this time, the doctor may feed medication into your IV to test the effectiveness of controlling it. If necessary, the doctor may also add a small amount of energy to the patches on your chest to bring your heart back to a steady, normal rhythm.

This test takes about 2 to 4 hours to perform.

After the test

The catheters will be removed from your groin and the doctor will apply pressure to prevent bleeding at the site.

You will be on bed rest for about 2 to 4 hours.

The doctor will then decide if you should prepare to stay the night or if you are able to be discharged.

Ask your doctor what medications you are allowed to take, in some cases they will ask you to stop certain medications one to five days before the test. Specifically, if you have diabetes, ask your doctor how you should adjust your intake of drugs.