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An electrophysiology study (EPS) closely monitors your heart rhythm. EPS can help determine exactly what your rhythm problem is and what can be done to control it.
St. Joseph's Heart & Vascular Institute provides exceptional diagnostics for our heart and vascular patients. Our physicians use the latest technology to ensure an accurate diagnosis so we can provide you with the best course of treatment available.
An electrophysiology study takes one to four hours. A specially trained doctor (electrophysiologist) performs the procedure in an EPS lab. Here's what to expect:
Other procedures that may be done during the study include defibrillation (electric shock to the heart to help adjust the heart rhythm) and catheter ablation, a procedure that destroys an abnormal electrical pathway or cells in the heart. After the electrophysiology study, you usually remain in the hospital for several hours or overnight. During that time:
Always follow any instructions your doctor gives you before the study, including:
An electrophysiology study is generally very safe though it does carry some health risks, including the risk of stroke, heart attack, infection, blood clots, arrhythmias, bleeding, injury to the vein and low blood pressure. Always be comfortable talking to your doctor about any possible risk factors.
Call your doctor if: