Electrophysiology Study - How It Feels

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About this test

You will feel a sharp sting when the local anesthetic is injected to numb your skin at the catheter insertion site.

When the catheter is inserted, you may feel a brief, sharp pain. The movement of the catheter through your blood vessel may cause a feeling of pressure, but it is not usually considered painful. You may feel your heart skip when the catheter touches the walls of your heart. This is normal.

The temperature in the catheterization lab is kept cool so that the equipment does not overheat. For many people, the hardest part of the test is having to lie still for an hour or longer on the hard table. You may feel some stiffness or cramping.

Don't be afraid to speak up if you're worried about anything during the test. The doctors, nurses, and technicians want to know exactly how you're feeling.

It's especially important to tell the doctor if you have any of these symptoms during or after the test:

  • Chest pain.
  • Extreme shortness of breath.
  • Dizziness.
  • Trouble speaking or swallowing.
  • Paralysis in any part of your body.

You may have some soreness and bruising at the insertion site. This should disappear in 2 weeks. It is normal for the site to feel tender for about a week. But call your doctor if:

  • Your arm or leg becomes pale, cold, painful, or numb.
  • You have redness, swelling, or discharge from the catheter insertion site.
  • You have a fever.
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: August 26, 2009
Medical Review: Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
John M. Miller, MD - Electrophysiology

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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