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Syncope pp 309–327Cite as

When and How: Electrophysiological Study (EPS)

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Abstract

The gold standard for diagnosis of arrhythmia-induced syncope is correlation of abnormal ECG findings of spontaneous cardiac arrhythmias with symptoms (i.e., syncope). Obtaining such documentation is usually best achieved by ambulatory electrocardiographic (ECG) recording (e.g., “Holter” monitors, “event” recorders, mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry (MCOT), or insertable loop recorders (ILRs)). However, in many patients it may not be possible to obtain such documentation due to the infrequency of symptomatic events, or concerns regarding patient safety should a spontaneous recurrence be associated with a life-threatening circumstance or potential for physical injury. In such cases, electrophysiological study (EPS) may be warranted in an attempt to obtain at least a plausible cause for the symptoms. This is particularly the case in those individuals with an abnormal ECG and/or evidence underlying structural heart disease.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Cardiologia, Centro Aritmologico, Ospedali del Tigullio, Via Bobbio 24, 16033, Lavagna, Italy

    Dr. Michele Brignole

  2. Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Medical School, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St. SE, 55455, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

    Dr. David G. Benditt

Authors
  1. Dr. Michele Brignole
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  2. Dr. David G. Benditt
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Correspondence to Michele Brignole .

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© 2011 Springer-Verlag London Limited

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Brignole, M., Benditt, D.G. (2011). When and How: Electrophysiological Study (EPS). In: Syncope. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-201-8_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-201-8_20

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-85729-200-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-85729-201-8

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