Discharge Instructions for Electrophysiology Study
An electrophysiology study (EPS) was done to check your heart’s electric activity. It is used to look for irregular heartbeats. Your doctor will discuss results from the test.
The area where the wire was inserted may be a little sore. It should feel better over the next few days. Self-care and medicine can help.
Steps to Take
Wound Care
You may have swelling or a bruise where the wire was passed. This is normal and can last a few weeks.
Place an ice pack on the area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This will ease swelling and pain. Put a towel between the ice pack and your skin.
To help prevent infection:
- Keep the insertion site clean and dry.
- Wash your hands before and after cleaning the site and changing the bandage.
- Do not shower, bathe, or soak in water until the care team has said it is safe to do so.
Activity
Slowly return to normal activity. Also:
- Do not do strenuous activity or heavy lifting until your doctor says it is safe to do so.
- Wait to return to work and drive until your doctor says it is okay.
- Do not have sex until your doctor says it is okay to do so.
Follow-up
Your doctor will need to check on your progress. Be sure to go to all advised appointments.
Problems to Look Out For
Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
- Signs of infection such as fever or chills
- Excessive bleeding, redness, swelling, increasing pain, or any discharge from the insertion site
- A leg that feels cold, turns white or blue, or becomes numb or tingly
- Light-headedness
Call for emergency medical help right away if you have signs of a heart attack:
- Squeezing sensation, pressure, or pain in the chest
- Pain in the jaw, neck, arms, or upper back
- Breathing problems
- Cold sweat
- Nausea or vomiting
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
American Heart Association
https://www.heart.org
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The College of Family Physicians of Canada
https://www.cfpc.ca
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://www.heartandstroke.ca
REFERENCES:
Electrophysiology studies. Texas Heart Institute website. Available at: https://www.texasheart.org/heart-health/heart-information-center/topics/electrophysiology-studies. Accessed May 4, 2021.
Electrophysiology studies (EPS). American Heart Association website. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/symptoms-diagnosis--monitoring-of-arrhythmia/electrophysiology-studies-eps. Accessed May 4, 2021.
Patient education: preparing the patient for cardiac catheter ablation. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: https://www.ebscohost.com/nursing/products/nursing-reference-center. Accessed May 4, 2021.
Warning signs of a heart attack. American Heart Association website. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack. Accessed May 4, 2021.
Last reviewed March 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Nicole S. Meregian, PA Last Updated: 8/10/2021