LAB TEST
Intracardiac electrophysiology study (EPS)
Intracardiac electrophysiology study (EPS) is a test to look at how well the heart's electrical signals are working. It is used to evaluate abnormal heartbeats or heart rhythms .
How the Test is Performed
Wire electrodes are placed in the heart to do this test. These electrodes measure electrical activity in the heart. The procedure is done in a hospital laboratory. The staff will include a cardiologist (heart doctor), technicians, and nurses. To have this study: Your groin and/or neck area will be cleaned and numbing…
How to Prepare for the Test
You will be told not to eat or drink for 6 to 8 hours before the test. You will wear a hospital gown. You must sign a consent form for the procedure. Your health care provider will tell you ahead of time if you need to make changes to the medicines you regularly take. Do not stop taking or change any medicines without…
How the Test will Feel
You will be awake during the test. You may feel some discomfort when the IV is placed into your arm. You may also feel some pressure at the site when the catheter is inserted. You may feel your heart skipping beats or racing at times.
Why the Test is Performed
Your provider may order this test if you have signs of an abnormal heart rhythm ( arrhythmia ). You may need to have other tests before this study is done. An EPS may be done to: Test the function of your heart's electrical system Pinpoint a known abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that is starting in the heart Decide…
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may be due to abnormal heart rhythms that are too slow or too fast. These may include: Atrial fibrillation or flutter Heart block Sick sinus syndrome Supraventricular tachycardia (a group of abnormal heart rhythms that start in the upper chambers of the heart) Ventricular fibrillation and ventricular…
Risks
The procedure is very safe in most cases. Possible risks include: Arrhythmias Bleeding Blood clots that lead to embolism Cardiac tamponade Heart attack Infection Injury to the vein Low blood pressure Stroke
References
Ferreira SW, Mehdirad AA. The electrophysiology laboratory and electrophysiologic procedures. In: Sorajja P, Lim MJ, Kern MJ, eds. Kern's Cardiac Catheterization Handbook . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 7. Nattel S, Tomaselli GF. Mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL,…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 08/05/2024).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.