Who is this electrophysiologist? Let's find out exactly.

Have you ever felt your heart beating very fast, or like something is fluttering inside your chest, or like it's pounding? Sometimes these can be normal things. However, if these things happen frequently, it can also be a sign of a small problem in our heart. Our heart is not just a ball of meat, it works with a very complex electrical system. Just like the 'wiring' system in our house. So, if there is a fault in this electrical system, there are doctors who specifically look into it and treat it. Today we are talking about those specialist doctors.

Who is this electrophysiologist?

Simply put, an electrophysiologist , or sometimes we call an "EP doctor" for short, is a cardiologist . But his specialty is to look into the electrical system of the heart and the rhythm irregularities that occur with it, that is, abnormalities in the heartbeat (arrhythmias) . Think of it this way. Our heartbeat is controlled by a very delicate network of electrical signals. If these signals go to the right place and at the right time, the heart beats properly. If there is any error, interruption, or short circuit in this electrical signal system, the heartbeat goes out of control. Either it beats very fast, or it beats very slowly, or it beats irregularly. That's what we call an Electrophysiologist (EP) to a doctor who has expertise in problems with the 'current' of the heart.

What does a cardiologist do?

These specialists usually work in large hospitals. They use special tests and procedures to diagnose, diagnose, and treat heart rhythm abnormalities. They also prescribe medications and advise on lifestyle changes. See the table below for a list of the main conditions they treat.

In what situation would you be referred to an EP?

Usually, you won't see a specialist like this directly. Your family doctor or the cardiologist who is already treating you will refer you to an EP doctor. There can be several reasons for this.

• If you have a diagnosed heart rhythm disorder ( arrhythmia ) .
• If you are scheduled to undergo a treatment called cardiac ablation , this involves using a special method to deactivate the areas of the heart that are sending out incorrect electrical signals.
• If you have a condition called syncope , which is when you suddenly lose consciousness and fall for no apparent reason.
• If the doctor determines that there is a high risk of dying from sudden cardiac death.
• If you need to have a device like a pacemaker or an ICD (Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator) fitted. These are small devices that are placed under the skin to control the heart's rhythm.

What happens when you meet an EP?

When you are referred to an EP, he will review your symptoms, your previous medications, and your test results, and if necessary, order another special test. The most important of these is an Electrophysiology Study (EPS) . Don't be alarmed by the name. This is done to check the electrical activity of your heart and find out exactly where the rhythm disorder starts.

How is the EPS test done?

This test is done in a special laboratory (EP lab or Cath lab) in the hospital. You are put to sleep (sedated), so you do not feel any pain. The doctor inserts a very thin, delicate tube, called an electrode catheter , into a large blood vessel in your groin, arm, or neck and into your heart. The doctor then sends small electrical signals through the tube to the heart, and records the electrical activity of the heart on a computer screen. This is like using a 'tester' to find a fault in the wiring in your house. After this test, the doctor will find the exact cause of your problem and decide on the best treatment for it. Heart rhythm, Electrophysiologist, Cardiologist, Arrhythmia, Heartbeat, Pacemaker, Cardiac Ablation