Understanding Your Procedure

An electrophysiology (EP) study is a specialized test that evaluates the heart’s electrical system. With this procedure, your doctor uses small, flexible catheters inserted through veins (typically in the groin or neck) to reach your heart and record its electrical signals. The goal is to map the origin of any abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias) and determine the best treatment path whether that’s medication, further testing or a procedure like catheter ablation.

What to Expect During an Electrophysiology Study

• You’ll receive sedation so you remain comfortable and relaxed.
• Catheters are guided into the heart to measure and stimulate electrical activity.
• Your physician may gently stimulate your heart to trigger and study abnormal rhythms.
• If an abnormal pathway is found, the doctor may perform an ablation during the same session.
• After the study (and any treatment), you’ll spend time recovering and typically go home later that same day or the next morning.

Additional Resources

PDF: What Are Electrophysiology Studies?
Video: What is An Ablation?