Electrophysiology Study

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Discharge
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An electrophysiology study (EPS) is a test of the electrical activity in your heart. Your heart's electrical system controls your heartbeat. A problem with your heart's electrical system may lead to abnormal heartbeats. EPS helps healthcare providers find the area in your heart causing abnormal heartbeats.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
• You cough up blood.

Seek care immediately if:

• Blood soaks through your bandage.
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
• Your hand or foot becomes numb, cold, or turns blue.

Call your doctor if:

• You feel dizzy or lightheaded.
• You feel new or more palpitations in your chest, neck, or throat.
• You have a fever.
• The area the catheter was put in is red, warm, swollen, or draining pus.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Medicines may be given to strengthen and regulate your heartbeat. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about these and other medicines you may need.
• NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Care for the catheter site:

Wash the area carefully with soap and water. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty.

Check your heartbeat:

Ask your healthcare provider to show you how to check your pulse (heartbeat). Ask him or her what a regular pulse rate is and what to do if yours is not regular.

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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