Electrophysiology tests allow UPMC experts to provide advanced care for abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias and other potentially serious disorders affecting your heartbeat. Cardiac electrophysiology examines and treats your heart's electrical system, which controls your heart rhythm.
At UPMC, our heart patients benefit from the depth and breadth of our electrophysiologists' experience. Our physicians perform thousands of cardiac electrophysiology tests each year using the latest diagnostic technology and techniques.
Electrophysiology is a branch of cardiology that deals with conditions related to the electrical activity of your heart and abnormal heartbeats called arrhythmias. Cardiac electrophysiology tests map the electrical activity within your heart.
Electrophysiologists diagnose and treat patients with atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm disorders.
If your doctor thinks that you may have an abnormal heart rhythm, he or she may refer you to an electrophysiology specialist. To find out what is causing your heart rhythm disorder, your electrophysiologist will use the latest diagnostic technology, including:
Heart conditions we diagnose include:
Cardiac electrophysiology tests are performed when your symptoms or diagnostic tests suggest there is a problem with the rhythm of your heartbeat. The problem can be a fast heart rhythm (tachycardia), a slow heart rhythm (bradycardia), or another type of arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm).
You may be a candidate for cardiac electrophysiology tests if you have symptoms of a heart rhythm disorder, including:
Depending on the type of test you are having, your cardiac electrophysiology test may be performed in a specialized cardiac electrophysiology laboratory, at your doctor’s office, or while you go about your everyday activities.
If you are having an invasive EP study, your doctor will let you know if you will be sent home the same day or if you will need to stay in the hospital overnight. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after you are discharged.
If you are having an EP study, your test could take several hours. ECG is a fast, painless outpatient test that takes a few minutes. Cardiac electrophysiology testing with wearable devices such as Holter monitors and event recorders can take place over 24 hours or longer as you go about your daily activities.
Whether you are awake depends on the type of test you are having. You will be awake for ECG, Holter monitor, and event recorder testing. You may be asleep or lightly sedated for an EP study.
An ECG may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your doctor's practices. Generally, an ECG follows this process:
The procedure to place a Holter monitor or event recorder requires no preparation and is usually done on an outpatient basis. However, you will need to shower beforehand since you cannot get the device wet after it is on.
It takes about 10-20 minutes to place a Holter monitor or event recorder. This appointment includes putting on the electrodes, testing the monitor, and giving you instructions on how to care for the device.
An electrophysiologist will perform your EP study in an electrophysiology lab. After you receive a local anesthetic to numb the insertion site and a sedative to help you relax, one or more catheters will be inserted into your veins – usually through your groin – and passed through your body to your heart.
The catheters record the electrical activity of your heart, such as when and where electrical signals begin and how often they are sent.
Electrophysiology procedures may be performed during your EP study, including:
You should not feel any pain during an electrophysiology test. If you had an invasive EP study, you may feel mild soreness at the site of your incision after your procedure.
You should be able to resume your normal diet and activities, unless your doctor instructs you differently. Generally, there is no special care following an ECG, Holter monitor, or event recorder test.
However, if you had an invasive EP study, you should talk to your doctor about when you can resume normal activities or return to work. You may be instructed not to drive for a certain amount of time after the procedure, so you should arrange for someone to drive you home. It also is very important that you see your doctor for follow-up visits as recommended.
Notify your doctor if you develop any signs or symptoms you had prior to the test (for example, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting).
If you had an EP study, you should call your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, including:
If any of these symptoms are severe, you should call 911 immediately.
Our physicians perform thousands of cardiac electrophysiology tests each year using the latest diagnostic technology and techniques. And, if you require additional cardiovascular care, the specialists at UPMC have the skills and experience needed to perform advanced cardiovascular procedures and offer you the latest treatment options.
Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-10-01.
