Strong Heart and Vascular Center
Procedures
Electrophysiology (EP) Study
Following Your EP Study
Your doctor will have a list of instructions for you to follow after your EP study. These instructions include:
- You will need to keep your leg, which has the small bandage
on it, straight for 2-6 hours after the test. Do not bend or
cross your legs. If you cough, sneeze, laugh, urinate or have
a bowel movement, you will need to hold pressure on the bandage.
- Although you must keep your head on the pillow, you can raise
the head of the bed up to a 30 degree angle. You must remain
flat and in bed for at least 4-6 hours after the test in order
to prevent any bleeding from the incision site.
- Limit your activity for the first 24 hours after your procedure.
Do not strain or lift any objects heavier than 5-10 pounds.
You may return to work the day after your study if this does
not involve heavy lifting or exertion. You may resume strenuous
exertion in five days. If you have any questions at all, please
call the EP office.
- You may shower the day after the study procedure.
- Notify your nurse or call your doctor if the incision is painful,
warm to the touch, or shows signs of infection. Some bruising
at the incision site is common.
- Ask your doctor about any medication changes.
- Sometimes an EP study is unable to replicate or induce an intermittent arrhythmia or find the cause of a symptom such as syncope (loss of consciousness) and further testing or monitoring may be needed.