What is an EP study?
Electrophysiology is a field of heart and vascular care that focuses on your heart’s electrical activity. Cardiologists who specialize in this field, called electrophysiologists, use specialized equipment and perform procedures to diagnose and treat irregular rhythms, or arrhythmias, when your heart’s electrical system doesn’t work properly.
One common diagnostic test electrophysiologists perform is an electrophysiology (EP) study. This study gives physicians a detailed look at your heart’s electrical activity and helps determine appropriate treatments for improving your heart rhythm.
What is an EP study used for?
EP studies can diagnose many different types of arrhythmias. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type.
An EP study can:
- Find out what is causing any abnormal heart rhythms
- Identify from what part of your heart the arrhythmia originates
- Determine your risk of a sudden cardiac event
- Detect what is causing any fainting spells
What to expect with an EP study
An EP study can be done as an outpatient procedure or during a hospital stay, depending on your condition and the healthcare provider’s approach. Usually, the process involves the following steps:
Before the procedure
You will need to avoid eating or drinking anything the night before your study. Your care team will let you know if or when you need to stop taking medications.
If you have diabetes, tell your doctor about your diet and insulin regimen, as it can affect blood sugar levels and your results.
EP study side effects
EP studies are safe and effective procedures with minimal side effects. Mild soreness and bruising where the IV was inserted are normal, but if your incision begins to bleed, call your physician.
Also, call your physician if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Bruising that gets worse instead of better
- Color changes, swelling, discharge, numbness or tingling in the area where the IV was inserted
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
Call 911 if you notice:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Increased swelling around the incision
- Sudden, severe bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure
- Signs of stroke (weakness in your arm, drooping face or difficulty speaking)
Next steps after an EP study
Once your electrophysiologist identifies the type of arrhythmia you have and its cause, they can recommend treatment options, such as:
- A Holter monitor or other device that monitors your heart rhythm as you go about your daily activities
- An implantable cardiac defibrillator or pacemaker to regulate your heart rhythm
- Catheter ablation, a procedure in which your doctor scars the heart tissue causing your arrhythmia
Find a location near you
You will find expert, personalized care at all Baylor Scott & White EP lab locations. No matter which lab you visit, you can find convenient follow-up care and additional cardiology services at our locations across Central and North Texas.
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
16050 Everwell Ln Ste 210, Frisco, TX, 75033
16050 Everwell Ln Ste 210, Frisco, TX, 75033
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
2020 W State Hwy 114 Ste 320, Grapevine, TX, 76051
2020 W State Hwy 114 Ste 320, Grapevine, TX, 76051
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
1401 Shoal Creek Ste 240, Highland Village, TX, 75077
1401 Shoal Creek Ste 240, Highland Village, TX, 75077
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
5236 W University Dr POB I, Ste 4900, McKinney, TX, 75071
5236 W University Dr POB I, Ste 4900, McKinney, TX, 75071
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
1820 Preston Park Blvd Ste 1450, Plano, TX, 75093
1820 Preston Park Blvd Ste 1450, Plano, TX, 75093
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
621 N Hall St Ste 500, Dallas, TX, 75226
621 N Hall St Ste 500, Dallas, TX, 75226
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
1575 Interstate 30 , Mesquite, TX, 75150
1575 Interstate 30 , Mesquite, TX, 75150
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
4431 E US Hwy 287 , Midlothian, TX, 76065
4431 E US Hwy 287 , Midlothian, TX, 76065
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
9101 N Central Expy Ste 300C, Dallas, TX, 75231
9101 N Central Expy Ste 300C, Dallas, TX, 75231
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
301 E Ovilla Rd Ste 100, Red Oak, TX, 75154
301 E Ovilla Rd Ste 100, Red Oak, TX, 75154
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
2360 N Interstate 35E Ste 110, Waxahachie, TX, 75165
2360 N Interstate 35E Ste 110, Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
5308 N Galloway Ave Ste 201, Mesquite, TX, 75150
5308 N Galloway Ave Ste 201, Mesquite, TX, 75150
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
6705 Heritage Pkwy Ste 202, Rockwall, TX, 75087
6705 Heritage Pkwy Ste 202, Rockwall, TX, 75087
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
800 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
800 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
302 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
302 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
2740 N State Highway 360 Ste 100, Grand Prairie, TX, 75050
2740 N State Highway 360 Ste 100, Grand Prairie, TX, 75050
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
1110 Cottonwood Ln , Irving, TX, 75038
1110 Cottonwood Ln , Irving, TX, 75038
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
3095 Kingswood Blvd Suite 250, Grand Prairie, TX, 75052
3095 Kingswood Blvd Suite 250, Grand Prairie, TX, 75052
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
50 Hillcrest Medical Blvd Ste 303, Waco, TX, 76712
50 Hillcrest Medical Blvd Ste 303, Waco, TX, 76712
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
5245 W US Hwy 290 Service Rd , Austin, TX, 78735
5245 W US Hwy 290 Service Rd , Austin, TX, 78735
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
700 Medical Pkwy , Brenham, TX, 77833
700 Medical Pkwy , Brenham, TX, 77833
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
700 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
700 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
1650 W College St , Grapevine, TX, 76051
1650 W College St , Grapevine, TX, 76051
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
100 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738
100 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
305 Mallard Ln , Taylor, TX, 76574
305 Mallard Ln , Taylor, TX, 76574
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
2400 N Interstate 35E , Waxahachie, TX, 75165
2400 N Interstate 35E , Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
2405 S Clear Creek Rd , Killeen, TX, 76549
2405 S Clear Creek Rd , Killeen, TX, 76549
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
200 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738
200 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240, Forney, TX, 75126
763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240, Forney, TX, 75126
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
7801 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 100, Rowlett, TX, 75088
7801 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 100, Rowlett, TX, 75088
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
2801 S Mayhill Rd , Denton, TX, 76208
2801 S Mayhill Rd , Denton, TX, 76208
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
1400 8th Ave Bldg A, 6th Floor, Fort Worth, TX, 76104
1400 8th Ave Bldg A, 6th Floor, Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
5268 W University Dr , McKinney, TX, 75071
5268 W University Dr , McKinney, TX, 75071
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
Accepting walk-ins
Patients in line:
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Not accepting walk-ins
Patients in line: