What exactly is an EP study?

[DeltaDawn23]

I have seen this suggested many times on  this board.  What does it entail?

[DeltaDawn23]

Thanks for the input -- sounds like your experience was very positive.  I am just trying to find the best people I can and put myself in their hands.

[tom_h]

As a contrast to Wendyzattic's experience.  I was under general anesthesia during my EP study and ablation.  I was given a hit of Vallium prior to being wheeled down the hall to the cath lab, and don't remember much except the blurry overhead lights in the hallway as I rolled under them., and scooting onto the table.  After that....nothing.  All I wanted to do is sleep.  For me, it was a very positive experience, and I'd redo it in a snap if it's ever warranted.

[DeltaDawn23]

Yikes!  I don't wonder that you would have PTSD!  I am so glad you are okay.  Thank you for sharing your experience.

They were coming at me with paddles one time in the ER because the meds they gave me dropped my bp too low, and they were having trouble getting it back up.  I've been converted twice now, under sedation, thank God!  I am seeing an EP doc today and one for a 2nd opinion tomorrow.  Present dr. wants to put me on Norpace, it is supposed to be one of the drugs with the least side effects.  How are you doing on the Sotalol?

[Wendyzattic]

Hi Delta...I had this exact question a few weeks ago when my cardiologist suggested that I needed one with a possible ablation for some SVT's I was having.  I read all about it.....noticed that it was basically a test to map out your electrical system in your heart to see if it is working correctly or misfiring.  My doctor said there really isn't much risk at all.  I saw similar statements in my research and decided to do it.  

Basically, I showed up at the hospital early one morning and they put an IV in and I waited to be sent to the EP lab.  Once there I was told I would be put in a twilight sleep.....well, my body thought otherwise.  I was awake the entire time from them inserting the catheters, to them making my heart race and finishing the study.  Even though I was awake, it really didn't bother me all too much.....in the end, the doctor did not do any ablations as I had too many short circuits and he didn't think the ablations would help me.

Well, that was the end of the EP study and where the fun began for me.  Approximately a half hour out of the study, as I was laying in the bed in a hallway waiting for the chest x-ray, I noticed my heart feeling as if it was jumping out of my chest.  I was very dizzy and told the nurse.  She said the medications I was going to be prescribed would take care of it.....I was told that for two hours when they finally called a code and had the rapid response team come in to cardiovert me.  It wouldn't have been so bad had I not been AWAKE!  I have to say that I don't think this happens to most people but it sure scared the heck out of me!  I even think I have a form of PTSD, since the thought of going to the hospital and getting cardioverted again while I am awake, terrifies me!  Anyhow, turns out I was in Afib and my blood pressure was very low 53/40 and they were concerned I was crashing.  My doctor told me later I have a very strong heart as most people would have passed out with the heart rate in the 250's and such a low BP....in the end, I am still here and on Sotalol now......I haven't heard of many others having issues with an EP Study so hopefully if you have one, it will go well for you.  

Anyway, had I just had the EP study, I could've went home that evening, but because they put me on Sotalol, I stayed in the hospital 3 days.  

[curmudgen]

Wikipedia has a detailed description -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrophysiology_study
And for additional info just google electrophysiology study....