Electrophysiology Study - Risks

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About this test

The risk involved in having an EP study is small. But problems can occur, including:1

  • Puncture of the heart or one of its blood vessels.
  • An abnormal collection of fluid in the space between the heart and the sac that surrounds it (cardiac tamponade).
  • Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). In rare cases, an EP study causes an abnormal heart rhythm that won't go away. The abnormal rhythm usually corrects itself or becomes normal after treatment with medicine. In some cases, an electrical shock (electrical cardioversion) may be needed to restore a normal rhythm.
  • Bruising where the catheters are put in.
  • Bleeding around the groin vessels where the catheters are put in (very rare).
  • Blood clots.
  • Infection.
  • Damage to the electrical system of the heart, requiring placement of a pacemaker.
  • Stroke (very rare).
  • Heart attack (very rare).
  • Death (very rare).

The chance of having problems increases if you also have treatment, such as ablation, during this test.

Anytime you are exposed to radiation, including the low levels of X-ray used for this test, there is a chance of damage to cells or tissue. But the risk of this damage is usually very low compared to the possible benefits of the test.

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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