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Electrophysiology (EP) study

If other tests fail to diagnose the arrhythmia, the doctor may conduct an EP study to determine the type of arrhythmia or induce the arrhythmia. In the test, the electrophysiologist threads catheters through a blood vessel and into the heart. The catheters have electrodes on the end, which can map the electrical impulses of the heart, stimulate the heartbeat, or temporarily stop an arrhythmia by administering electrical impulses.

The procedure is not painful and is performed under light sedation or general anaesthetic.During the test, the heart’s electrical activity is monitored and recorded. After the test, the catheters are removed and the insertion site is closed.

EP studies are particularly effective when other tests have failed to capture an arrhythmia at the time of its occurrence, because the electrophysiologist may be able to induce the irregular heart rhythm. By triggering the irregular rhythm, the physician can understand where the irregular electrical impulses originate in the heart.