Locations What to Expect About
Find a specialist

What is an EP study?

Electrophysiology is a field of heart and vascular care that focuses on your heart’s electrical activity. Cardiologists who specialize in this field, called electrophysiologists, use specialized equipment and perform procedures to diagnose and treat irregular rhythms, or arrhythmias, when your heart’s electrical system doesn’t work properly.

One common diagnostic test electrophysiologists perform is an electrophysiology (EP) study. This study gives physicians a detailed look at your heart’s electrical activity and helps determine appropriate treatments for improving your heart rhythm.

What is an EP study used for?

EP studies can diagnose many different types of arrhythmias. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type.

An EP study can:

  • Find out what is causing any abnormal heart rhythms
  • Identify from what part of your heart the arrhythmia originates
  • Determine your risk of a sudden cardiac event
  • Detect what is causing any fainting spells

What to expect with an EP study

​​​​​​​​​​​​​An EP study can be done as an outpatient procedure or during a hospital stay, depending on your condition and the healthcare provider’s approach. Usually, the process involves the following steps:

Before the procedure

You will need to avoid eating or drinking anything the night before your study. Your care team will let you know if or when you need to stop taking medications.

If you have diabetes, tell your doctor about your diet and insulin regimen, as it can affect blood sugar levels and your results.

During the procedure

The EP study is done under conscious sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the clinical situation, and typically takes two to three hours. Catheters are generally inserted through the femoral vein of a leg near your hip area and then guided to different areas of the heart to record your heart’s electrical activity and log your heart rhythm. A pacemaker can be used to try to induce the arrhythmia, which can help diagnose the cause and determine its location.

After the procedure

You may need to spend a few hours in a recovery area before you go home so your team can monitor the IV insertion site for bleeding and swelling.

When you go home, follow your care team’s instructions regarding medications you must take and activities to avoid.

You can start eating and drinking within four to six hours and return to your routine the day after the test.

Avoid driving for at least 24 hours.

EP study side effects

EP studies are safe and effective procedures with minimal side effects. Mild soreness and bruising where the IV was inserted are normal, but if your incision begins to bleed, call your physician.

Also, call your physician if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Bruising that gets worse instead of better
  • Color changes, swelling, discharge, numbness or tingling in the area where the IV was inserted
  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath

Call 911 if you notice:

  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Increased swelling around the incision
  • Sudden, severe bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure
  • Signs of stroke (weakness in your arm, drooping face or difficulty speaking)

Next steps after an EP study

Once your electrophysiologist identifies the type of arrhythmia you have and its cause, they can recommend treatment options, such as:

  • A Holter monitor or other device that monitors your heart rhythm as you go about your daily activities
  • An implantable cardiac defibrillator or pacemaker to regulate your heart rhythm
  • Catheter ablation, a procedure in which your doctor scars the heart tissue causing your arrhythmia

Find a location near you

You will find expert, personalized care at all Baylor Scott & White EP lab locations. No matter which lab you visit, you can find convenient follow-up care and additional cardiology services at our locations across Central and North Texas.

Read More
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth

Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth

1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Directions
Call 817.926.2544
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Denton

Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Denton

3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
Directions
Call 469.800.4540
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Garland

Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Garland

7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044
Directions
Call 469.800.4540
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Grapevine

Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Grapevine

2020 W State Highway 114 Ste 320, Grapevine, TX, 76051
Directions
Call 469.800.4540
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - McKinney

Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - McKinney

5236 W University Dr POB I, Ste 4900, McKinney, TX, 75071
Directions
Call 469.800.4540
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Plano

Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Plano

1820 Preston Park Blvd Ste 1450, Plano, TX, 75093
Directions
Call 469.800.4540
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Prosper

Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Prosper

111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
Directions
Call 469.800.4540
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Rockwall

Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Rockwall

1005 W Ralph Hall Pkwy Ste 225, Rockwall, TX, 75032
Directions
Call 469.800.4540
Open
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Dallas

Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Dallas

621 N Hall St Ste 500, Dallas, TX, 75226
Directions
Call 469.800.7400
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville

Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville

4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
Directions
Call 469.800.3400
Open
  • Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Mesquite

Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Mesquite

1575 Interstate 30 , Mesquite, TX, 75150
Directions
Call 469.800.3350
Open
  • Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Midway

Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Midway

4431 E US Highway 287 , Midlothian, TX, 76065
Directions
Call 469.800.9400
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Park Cities

Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Park Cities

9101 N Central Expy Ste 300C, Dallas, TX, 75231
Directions
Call 469.800.7500
Open
  • Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Red Oak

Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Red Oak

301 E Ovilla Rd Ste 100, Red Oak, TX, 75154
Directions
Call 469.800.9400
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Waxahachie

Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Waxahachie

2360 N Interstate 35E Ste 110, Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Directions
Call 469.800.9400
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Mesquite

Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Mesquite

5308 N Galloway Ave Ste 201, Mesquite, TX, 75150
Directions
Call 469.800.3200
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Rockwall

Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Rockwall

6705 Heritage Pkwy Ste 202, Rockwall, TX, 75087
Directions
Call 469.800.3200
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station Rock Prairie

Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station Rock Prairie

800 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
Directions
Call 979.207.3300
Open
  • Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Round Rock 302 University

Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Round Rock 302 University

302 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
Directions
Call 512.509.0200
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Temple

Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Temple

2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
Directions
Call 254.724.2111
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cottonwood Cardiology - Grand Prairie

Baylor Scott & White Cottonwood Cardiology - Grand Prairie

2740 N State Highway 360 Ste 100, Grand Prairie, TX, 75050
Directions
Call 972.817.0200
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cottonwood Cardiology - Irving

Baylor Scott & White Cottonwood Cardiology - Irving

1110 Cottonwood Ln Ste 105, Irving, TX, 75038
Directions
Call 972.817.0200
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cottonwood Cardiology - Lake Ridge

Baylor Scott & White Cottonwood Cardiology - Lake Ridge

3095 Kingswood Blvd Suite 250, Grand Prairie, TX, 75052
Directions
Call 972.817.0200
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cottonwood Cardiology - Las Colinas

Baylor Scott & White Cottonwood Cardiology - Las Colinas

400 W IH 635 Ste 210, Irving, TX, 75063
Directions
Call 972.817.0200
Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital - Fort Worth

Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital - Fort Worth

1400 8th Ave Bldg A, 6th Floor, Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Directions
Call 817.926.2544
Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Cardiology Clinic

Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Cardiology Clinic

50 Hillcrest Medical Blvd Ste 303, Waco, TX, 76712
Directions
Call 254.202.0480
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Austin

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Austin

5245 West US Highway 290 Service Rd , Austin, TX, 78735
Directions
Call 512.654.2100
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Brenham

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Brenham

700 Medical Pkwy , Brenham, TX, 77833
Directions
Call 979.337.5000
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial

12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Directions
Call 469.764.8000
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - College Station

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - College Station

700 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
Directions
Call 979.207.0100
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine

1650 W College St , Grapevine, TX, 76051
Directions
Call 817.481.1588
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest

100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712
Directions
Call 254.202.2000
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe

6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Directions
Call 972.520.8000
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lakeway

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lakeway

100 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738
Directions
Call 512.654.5000
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney

5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Directions
Call 469.764.1000
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano

4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Directions
Call 469.814.2000
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Taylor

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Taylor

305 Mallard Ln , Taylor, TX, 76574
Directions
Call 737.888.3100
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple

2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
Directions
Call 254.724.2111
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie

2400 N Interstate 35E , Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Directions
Call 469.843.4000
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Killeen Hemingway

Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Killeen Hemingway

2405 S Clear Creek Rd , Killeen, TX, 76549
Directions
Call 254.618.1888
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Lakeway

Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Lakeway

200 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738
Directions
Call 512.654.1234
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Forney

Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Forney

763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240, Forney, TX, 75126
Directions
Call 469.800.2700
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Rowlett

Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Rowlett

7801 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 100, Rowlett, TX, 75088
Directions
Call 469.800.2700
Open
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City

Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City

6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
Directions
Call 469.800.2700
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Denton

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Denton

2801 S Mayhill Rd , Denton, TX, 76208
Directions
Call 855.760.0600
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - McKinney

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - McKinney

5268 W University Dr , McKinney, TX, 75071
Directions
Call 469.814.3278
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Plano

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Plano

1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
Directions
Call 469.814.3278
Heart Rhythm Center

Heart Rhythm Center

4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Directions
Call 469.814.3480