An intravenous line (IV) will be started for fluids and medications. Electrodes (adhesive stickers) will be placed on your chest to monitor your EKG (heart rate and rhythm) throughout the procedure. You will be given a medication through your IV that will make you drowsy but will not put you to sleep. A local anesthetic will be injected into the groin to numb the area where the doctor will insert catheters (a narrow, flexible tube) into the vein. Once the catheters reach the heart, they can sense the electrical activity and be used to evaluate your heart’s conduction system.

This test is used to help determine the cause of your abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) and find the best treatment for you. EP studies are most often recommended for patients with symptoms indicative of heart rhythm disorders or for those who may be at risk for sudden cardiac death (heartbeat stops suddenly). 

There are infrequent potential complications such as bleeding at puncture sites, perforation of heart muscle, abnormal heart rhythm and interruption of heart conduction.

Twenty-four hour, ambulatory ECG monitoring

Patients who: 

• Suffer from recurrent palpitation or loss of consciousness of unknown cause.
• Are known to have supraventricular tachycardia or ventricular tachycardia.
• Are known to have conduction abnormality that may require pacemaker.
• Have survived sudden death.