Even while a cardiologist has the tools necessary to treat the vast majority of cardiovascular diseases, there are occasions when the expertise of a cardiovascular subspecialist is required. One of these subspecialties is called electrophysiology.
Other names for an electrophysiologist include cardiac electrophysiologist and cardiac EP. They look at the electrical system in your heart, which controls the pace and rhythm of your heartbeat by sending an electrical signal via the cells in your body.
What Exactly Is The Role Of An Electrophysiologist?
In most cases, electrophysiologist find employment in bigger cardiac practices or hospitals, where they conduct diagnostic tests, establish a diagnosis, and treat patients suffering from irregular heart rhythms. To accomplish this, they have received extensive training in the use of many highly specialized tests, technologies, and processes. A prescription for medicine or advice on how to improve one’s lifestyle may also be given.
Electrophysiologists are medical professionals who diagnose and treat illnesses such as the following:
- Bradycardia. An abnormally sluggish beating of the heart.
- Tachycardia. A rhythm of the heartbeat that is abnormally quick. According to the location in the heart where the issue first manifests itself, there are three primary varieties.
- Atrial Fibrillation. A heartbeat that is fluttery and trembling.
- Cardiac Arrest. The beating of your heart will cease all of a sudden.
- A variety of other arrhythmias and cardiac conditions
Instructional Methods And Programs
Cardiologists who have completed further training in the subspecialty of electrophysiology are referred to as electrophysiologists. They have to go through a procedure that includes completing the following steps once they have received their bachelor’s degree:
- An education that takes, on average, four years to complete
- A residency program in internal medicine that lasts for three years
- Additional training in cardiovascular disease fellowship ranging from three to five years in length (s)
The Benefits Of Consulting An Electrophysiologist
If any of the following apply to you, your primary care physician or another cardiologist may suggest that you see an electrophysiologist:
- Suffer from an irregular rhythm of the heart
- Are currently undergoing cardiac ablation, a technique that forms scar tissue in an attempt to suppress irregular impulses, or are considering having the surgery done.
- Have an episode of syncope, sometimes known as a brief loss of awareness
- Run the chance of passing away from a heart attack suddenly
- Are scheduled to have cardiac surgery
- Could potentially gain by having a pacemaker or an implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD)
In most cases, patients see electrophysiologists through referrals rather than making direct appointments with them.
What Kind Of Experience Should You Have As An Electrophysiologist?
The purpose of electrophysiology studies, often known as EPS, is to investigate the electrical activity of a patient’s heart to identify the origins of arrhythmia. A tiny tube, also known as an electrode catheter, will be inserted by the doctor into one of the blood vessels that go to the patient’s heart. The groin is the most common location for this insertion, however, it might also take place in the arm or the neck. The next step is for them to transmit electrical impulses to your heart while simultaneously monitoring its function.
Studies in electrophysiology are often conducted in a dedicated laboratory that is located within a medical clinic or hospital. The electrophysiology laboratory, sometimes known as the EP lab, or the catheterization laboratory are both possible names for this chamber (or cath lab). The exam should last anywhere from one to four hours.
Before you get EPS, you need to be sure that you:
- Do not consume anything by mouth six to eight hours before the test.
- If you are taking any drugs or supplements, be sure to inform your primary care physician and carefully follow all of their directions.
- Arrange for someone to drive you to your appointment and then drop you off at your house afterward.
After that, the physician will analyze the findings of your tests and provide advice regarding the best course of therapy for you.
