Electrophysiological testing is a test to find out about the abnormal heart rhythms.
The doctor will place flexible tubes, called electrodes or catheters, into a vein, usually in the groin, but sometimes in the arm or neck or under the collarbone. They are then gently moved into position in the heart, where they stimulate the heart and record its electrical activity. This may make you feel as if you are having palpitations. Before having this test, most people need only a local anaesthetic (an injection which numbs the area where the catheters are put in). Afterwards the catheters are taken out and the nurse or doctor will press on the punctured area for about 15 minutes to make sure there is no bleeding. You will be asked to lie quietly for a few hours. The doctor will talk to you about the results. You may need to stay in hospital overnight, but you can get back to your normal activities in a few days.
What can the test show?
Continuous monitoring with an ECG during electrophysiological testing helps to diagnose abnormal heart rhythms and identify which area of the heart is affected. It can also show whether the abnormal rhythm is being controlled effectively with certain medicines. In some cases this test can identify the abnormal heart rhythm that is causing the palpitation and this can be stopped by an external pacemaker (a device which helps restore a normal heart rate).
If the doctors find the cause of your abnormal heart rhythm, they may be able to treat the problem at the same time as the test, using radio-frequency electrical energy to destroy the areas inside the heart, which are causing the abnormal rhythm. This treatment is called ‘radio frequency ablation’.
Is there any risk?
This procedure does involve some risks. In very rare cases the atrio-ventricular node (the heart’s natural ‘electrical wiring system’) may be accidentally damaged. If this happens, the person may need to have an artificial pacemaker fitted. There may also be damage to the blood vessels, causing some loss of blood.