Advanced techniques to study the electrical activity of your heart

Electrophysiology studies use small sensors called cardiac catheters to study abnormal electrical impulses in the heart. These sensors are typically inserted into a major blood vessel in the groin and then moved up into the heart. The electrical activity in the heart is then tracked and recorded as an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). The cardiac catheters can also deliver small electrical impulses to the heart, in order to trigger abnormal rhythms (known as arrhythmias), in order to identify the source of the problem under controlled, medically supervised conditions.

Electrophysiology studies are relatively painless and are a same-day procedure. Your Hurley cardiologist will conduct blood tests beforehand and will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. Typical preparations include avoiding eating food six to eight hours before the procedure, temporarily stopping the use of medications that may mask or correct symptoms, and determining whether or not you will need someone to transport you home from the medical center.