EP Study

The EP study is often carried out in the electrophysiology lab of a hospital by a cardiologist with specialised experts in cardiac rhythms. Thin, flexible catheters are inserted into neck or groyne veins and threaded into the heart during the procedure. By measuring the electrical impulses produced by the heart's natural pacemaker, these catheters assist doctors in identifying any anomalous electrical pathways. To ensure the patient's comfort, the test is usually conducted under moderate sedation and local anaesthesia. The electrical activity of the heart is recorded during the process, and if required, the physician may attempt to generate arrhythmias in order to monitor their behaviour and origin.

An extensive variety of arrhythmias can be evaluated with great efficacy using the EP study. The EP study is essential for a precise diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias since, if untreated, each of them might have serious negative effects on health. These types are as follows:

• Afib, or atrial fibrillation: It is a frequent arrhythmia in which the heart's upper chambers beat erratically.
• Atrial Flutter: An electrical pattern that is more organised than that of AFib.
• Supraventricular tachycardia: Fast heartbeat that starts above the ventricles.
• Ventricular tachycardia (VT): An elevated heart rate that originates in the heart's lower chambers.
• Bradycardia: A heart rate that is unusually low and may need a pacemaker implantation. 

When advised, delaying or forgoing an EP study can have major negative effects on one's health. Arrhythmias that go undiagnosed and untreated raise the risk of: 

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Unexpected cardiac arrest

Certain arrhythmias can be fatal in extreme circumstances if they are not treated right away. Through timely and efficient treatment whether through medication, ablation treatments, or the implantation of a pacemaker or defibrillator, the EP study offers important information that can avert these consequences

The purpose of an EP study is to better understand the patient's heart health generally and to customise treatment to meet their unique needs. The EP study offers thorough insights into the electrical activity of the heart, demonstrating:

• Where Arrhythmias Come From: The precise location of the irregular heart beat is determined by the EP study..
• Arrhythmia Type: To choose the most effective course of treatment, the arrhythmia is classified.
• Medication Effectiveness: The research can evaluate whether antiarrhythmic drugs are working fine or not.
• Determining the Need For Further Interventions: It assists in determining the necessity of additional therapies, such as catheter ablation or device installation.

Following the placement of the catheters in the heart, the cardiologist will stimulate the heart with tiny electrical impulses during the EP examination. By analysing the heart's beat, the physician can watch the electrical channels and spot any abnormal circuits. During the research, it is normal and expected for the patient to experience fluttering or racing in their heart. Depending on how complicated the arrhythmias being assessed are, the full process often takes one to four hours. In certain situations, the physician may treat the arrhythmia with a catheter ablation in the same session if a problematic area is found.

The patient will be observed for several hours after the EP study to make sure the operation didn't cause any issues. While the majority of patients are able to return home the same day, some may need to spend the night in the hospital for observation. The physician will go over the results and suggest any future measures, which may involve medication, lifestyle modifications, or other procedures like ablation to the patient. It is crucial that patients closely adhere to the post-procedure recommendations to promote appropriate recovery and prevent problems. Appointments for follow-up will be set up in order to assess the patient's development and make any necessary treatment adjustments

BM Birla Heart Research Centre is a super speciality hospital with modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology in Kolkata. BM Birla Heart Research Centre is the only hospital offering valvular surgery in the entire Eastern India. With a 200+ bed capacity, cardiac care, atrial fibrillation services, cath labs, and modular OTs, BM Birla Heart Research Centre has made a mark with its singular focus on the treatment of a variety of ailments. Here are a few advantages of choosing BM Birla Heart Research Hospital for EP study in Kolkata -

• Highly qualified and experienced experts
• Cutting-edge technology and the latest medical equipment
• Transparent pricing structure for cost-effective treatment. 
• Patient-centric high-quality care for a high success rate