Cardiology
Dr. Harsh Ajit Tilwani
Consultant - Interventional Cardiology
Sterling Ramkrishna Speciality Hospital, Gandhidham
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at Sterling Hospitals
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What is an Electrophysiology (EP) Study?
- An EP study checks the electrical activity of the heart
- It helps diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Thin tubes called catheters are placed inside the heart to record electrical signals
- In some cases, treatment can be done during the same procedure
Why is an EP Study Done?
- The type of abnormal heart rhythm
- The cause of the irregular heartbeat
- Which part of the heart is causing the problem
- Why symptoms like dizziness or fainting are happening
- The best treatment option
- Whether medicines are working properly
- Risk of serious heart rhythm problems
Tests You May Have Had Before an EP Study
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Holter monitor
- Event recorder
- Stress test
- Echocardiogram
- Angiogram
How Does an EP Study Work?
- Catheters are inserted into the heart to record electrical signals
- The doctor may use medicines or electrical impulses to change the heart rhythm during the test
- This helps identify where the abnormal rhythm starts
- In some cases, catheter ablation may be performed during the procedure
How Should I Prepare for an EP Study?
- Arrange for someone to drive you home
- Inform your doctor about allergies or anaesthesia problems
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Remove makeup, nail polish, jewellery, and valuables
- Bring your glasses or hearing aids if needed
Medication and Food Instructions
- Inform your doctor about all medicines and supplements
- Ask which medicines to stop or continue
- Do not stop medicines without medical advice
- Ask about diabetes medicines if applicable
- Eat a normal meal the night before
- Do not eat or drink after midnight before the test
- Take medicines only with small sips of water if instructed
What Happens During the EP Study?
- The doctor numbs the groin, neck, or arm area
- Catheters are inserted through a vein
- X-ray and ultrasound help guide the catheters to the heart
- The heart's electrical activity is recorded
- Electrical impulses may be used to change the heartbeat
- Catheter ablation may be done if needed
You May Feel
- Your heart beating faster or stronger
- Pressure at the catheter insertion site
What Happens After the EP Study?
- Catheters are removed and pressure is applied to prevent bleeding
- You may need to stay in bed for 1–4 hours
- A small dressing is placed over the incision
- Most people do not need stitches
- You can usually eat and take medicines afterward
- Most people return to normal activities the next day
- Heavy lifting may need to be avoided for about a week
Benefits of an EP Study
- Helps identify the cause of abnormal heart rhythms
- Improves quality of life
- Helps avoid long-term medicines in some cases
- Allows treatment during the same procedure
Cardiac Ablation
Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. Thin tubes called catheters are guided to the heart through a blood vessel. Heat, cold, or energy is used to create small scars that block abnormal electrical signals.
Conditions Treated
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Atrial flutter
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
- Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
How to Prepare
- Stop certain medicines if advised by your doctor
- Avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure
- Arrange for someone to drive you home
- Wear comfortable clothing and avoid jewellery
During the Procedure
- The treatment area is cleaned and numbed
- Catheters are inserted through a blood vessel and guided to the heart
- The abnormal area is identified and treated
- The procedure usually takes 2–4 hours
After the Procedure
- You will be monitored for several hours
- Some patients go home the same day
- Recovery usually takes a few days, but full healing may take several weeks
- Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least a week
Benefits
- Helps restore a normal heart rhythm
- May reduce symptoms and improve quality of life
- May reduce the need for long-term medicines
Risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Damage to blood vessels or heart tissue
When to Contact a Doctor
- Bleeding or swelling at the puncture site
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Severe fast heartbeat
- Pain or swelling in the leg
- Redness, swelling, or drainage at the incision site
- Numbness, tingling, coldness or colour change in arm or leg
- Vomiting
Myths vs Facts
Myth
EP study is a major surgery.
Fact
It is a minimally invasive test using thin catheters, not open surgery.
Myth
Patients are fully asleep during the test.
Fact
Most patients are awake but relaxed with medicines to reduce discomfort.
Myth
Cardiac ablation is open-heart surgery.
Fact
It is done through blood vessels using catheters, without opening the chest.
Myth
The ablation procedure is very painful.
Fact
Most people feel only mild discomfort and tolerate it well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an EP study and cardiac ablation?
An EP study diagnoses abnormal heart rhythms, while ablation treats them.
How long do these procedures take?
An EP study takes about 1–4 hours, and cardiac ablation usually takes 2–4 hours.
Will I need to stay in the hospital?
You may go home the same day or stay overnight depending on your condition and procedure.
How soon can I return to normal activities?
Most people can return to normal activities within a few days, with restrictions on heavy activity for about a week.
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