Also known as: cardiac electrophysiology, intracardiac electrophysiology.
What is electrophysiology?
An electrophysiology study is a medical test that examines the heartbeat and the heart rhythm. The purpose is to identify and determine the possible type of abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) present.
What happens during the test?
During the test, electrodes that measure the heart rhythm are placed inside the heart. In order to do this, sheaths are inserted into the body at the groin or neck. Specialized catheters with electrode wires inside are inserted through the sheaths and guided to the heart with X-ray technology.
Is any special preparation needed?
You may need to stop taking certain medications before the test. You will also likely need to not eat or drink anything for 6 to 8 hours beforehand.
What are the risk factors?
Bleeding, infection, clots, vein injuries, heart attack, or stroke are potential risks of this test.
Electrophysiology at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
At Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, we make sure every heart patient is treated with quality care by our top pediatric health professionals. Our Cardiac Electrophysiology Program is at the forefront of pacemaker and defibrillator implantation. Ventricular pacing technology at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has even improved heart function in patients with heart failure. The program also provides lead management services, including lead extraction for children and adults with congenital heart disease.
Reviewed by: Sherrie Joy A Baysa, MD
This page was last updated on: December 18, 2020 05:23 PM
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Any form of abnormality with the rhythm of your heartbeat, whether it’s fast, slow or irregular, is known as a cardiac arrhythmia.