Drexel University College of Medicine

Read more about Heart Health

This test helps physicians determine the nature of an irregular heartbeat, where it is arising from on the heart, and the best way to treat it.

The Procedure:
A nurse will start an IV line in the patient’s arm or hand so that fluids and medications can be administered during the procedure. The groin area will be shaved and cleansed with an antiseptic solution. A sedative will be given, but patients must remain awake during the procedure to report any symptoms they are feeling.

The physician will numb the groin area and thread a catheter through a vein until it reaches the heart. These catheters detect the heart’s electrical activity. Using a pacemaker, the physician will increase the heart rate and safely reproduce the abnormal heart rhythm. Then, medications are given to correct the rhythm, determine which one controls it best, or assess whether an implanted device such as a pacemaker [[link to pacemaker treatment page]] or an ablation procedure [[link to ablation treatment page]] might be the best treatment option. Based on this information, the electrophysiologist may continue with an ablation procedure or a device implantation.

Preparation:
Patients may be advised to discontinue certain medications from one to five days before the procedure. Persons with diabetes should consult their doctor on how to adjust their medications. Patients should not eat or drink anything after midnight on the evening before the EP test.

Specialists:
M. Al-Bataineh, M.D.
John M. Fontaine, M.D.
S. Luke Kusmirek, M.D.
Steven P. Kutalek, M.D.

Related Programs and Services:
Electrophysiology

The information on these pages is provided for general information only and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for consultation with a physician or healthcare professional. If you have specific questions or concerns about your health, you should consult your healthcare professional.