An electrophysiology study is a diagnostic procedure to check the electrical activity of the heart. The human heart is made of muscles whose activity and movement is controlled by the electrical impulses or signals generated in the heart. Occasionally the heart beat becomes irregular or a fluttering sound is heard, which could be due to some abnormal functioning of the heart. Electrophysiology study is basically aimed at identifying the cause of such abnormal functioning of the heart.
What is the principle of an electrophysiology study ?
Electrophysiology study is a test which determines how normal is your heart functioning by determining the electrical impulses which are either delivered from an outsource via the electrodes or by administering medication like adrenaline or dobutamine which can alter the functionality of the heart.
When is an electrophysiology study advised ?
An Electrophysiology Study is advised when you are experiencing the below mentioned symptoms.
- Shortness of breath
- Reduced or increased heart beat
- To check for cardiac arrhythmias
- If you hear abnormal sounds while breathing
Your doctor might advise for an Electrophysiology Study to check for the following conditions.
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Fibrillations of the heart
- To monitor your heart if you are at an increased risk of heart disease
- To monitor the heart on medication
- To determine the prognosis of a cardiac disease
- To check for implanted devices in the heart
- To diagnose sick sinus syndrome
There are many other reasons why an Electrophysiology Study is advised, it is important that you have a detailed discussion about the benefits and outcome of the test with your treating doctor.
When is an electrophysiology study not advised ?
Electrophysiology study is an invasive procedure hence it is important to know its indications and contraindications. The test is not advised in pregnant women, uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension, individuals who have a severe and acute cardiac problem, if you are on anticoagulant and also if the patient has high level of anxiety.
How do you prepare for an electrophysiology study ?
An electrophysiology study is performed in a cath lab or an EPS lab by a cardiologist or a radiologist who specializes in cardiac diagnostic procedures. You will be asked to go through a complete clinical and physical examination before going ahead with the teat. Your cardiologist will review and modify your medication chart before the test, and you will be restricted from eating or drinking anything atleast 7-8 hours before the procedure.
What happens during an electrophysiology study ?
You will be asked to change into hospital gown and will be made to lie down on an examination table. Local anesthesia may be administered either on your wrist area or near the groin area where the incision is made. An intravenous (IV) line is inserted on your arms to give you sedatives to calm you during the procedure, but you will be mostly awake. An incision is given near the groin or the wrist area, from where the catheter is inserted to reach the heart vessels. Electrodes or wires are passed through these catheters which record the movement of the heart. Sometimes medication like adrenaline and dobumatime are also administered to check the electrical activity of the heart. The heart is then stimulated with the help of these electrodes and functioning of the heart is evaluated. During the entire procedure, your heart rate is monitored with the help of an electrocardiogram and level of oxygen is measured with the help of an oximeter. The test usually takes about 2-4 hours and you will be shifted to a recovery unit, to control bleeding from the incision site. If your recovery is good and your report is normal you will be allowed to go home or else the further treatment is planned.
What are the risks and complications of electrophysiology study ?
Since, it is an invasive procedure the chances of bleeding, clotting and infection at the site of incision are there. Other complications related to the test may include abnormal rhythm or beating of the heart, puncturing of vessel with the catheter and damage to the heart muscle. It is always advisable to ask your cardiologist about the potential complications well in advance before going ahead with the test.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
