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Dec 06

When Would You Need an Electrophysiologist?

Now that we have covered what a Cardiac Electrophysiologist does, which is studying the rhythms and electrical system of the heart and its functioning[i], this article will discuss when you would need an Electrophysiologist. Speaking with your primary care physician or similar medical professional will enable you to determine when you need to see an Electrophysiologist. This article will also discuss some conditions including irregular heartbeats and irregular electrical activities in your heart that are some signs when you need an Electrophysiologist.

After suffering certain medical setbacks is when you would need to see an Electrophysiologist. If you have suffered a heart attack and your heart has suffered an injury that now causes a heart arrhythmia, you would need to see an Electrophysiologist. When you are recovering from heart surgery, you would need an Electrophysiologist. Your Electrophysiologist is able to follow up with your heart’s condition, functioning, etc. If you are recovering from coronary artery disease or you are suffering from a heart arrhythmia, it is time to see an Electrophysiologist. Your specialist will be able to confirm your irregular heart-beats through extensive testing of your heart’s electrical system.[ii]

When modifying your lifestyle and using medications from a physician do not correct your irregular heart rhythms, it is time to see an Electrophysiologist. An Electrophysiologist will work with you to determine what lifestyle modifications and/or changes in medications may be required to effect such change. Your Electrophysiologist might also run some more tests to determine the location of the heart arrhythmia and if surgery is a viable option to correct the problem.[iii]

When you are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation is when you should go to an Electrophysiologist. Going to an Electrophysiologist will help you diagnose and correct your heart arrhythmia. While atrial fibrillation may be caused by a multitude of medical conditions and events including high blood pressure, a heart attack, heart surgery, or lifestyle choices including heavy alcohol consumption, its effects can be deadly. If untreated, the human heart can beat fast or with an unpredictable rhythm, hence an irregular beat. Untreated atrial fibrillation can lead to blood pooling in the heart’s atria, potentially forming clots, and if pumped by the heart into the body’s arteries, the clot can make its way throughout the bloodstream and cause a stroke or clot in the brain. Untreated atrial fibrillation can similarly cause a heart attack as well. That is why when you feel one or more of the following symptoms you should get medical help and determine if you have atrial fibrillation: feeling dizzy, shallow breath, weak, tired, chest pain, etc.

In addition to feeling some general feelings of poor health, there are also some symptoms that should send you an Electrophysiologist as soon as possible. If you feel your heart palpitating too slowly, too rapidly or having an irregular rhythm, it lasts for more than one minute and you have not been exercising for a considerable amount of time, it is time to contact an Electrophysiologist. If you feel your heart palpitating at any time and you feel like you are going to pass out, nauseous, vomit or similar symptoms, you should call emergency medical services right away. If you are able to wait until non-emergency services are ready, then when you have one of more of these symptoms, you should contact an Electrophysiologist to schedule an appointment. If you have heart palpitations and have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and similar cardio-vascular conditions, then you should see an Electrophysiologist as soon as possible. Essentially, if you have palpitations by themselves or with one of the above mentioned symptoms, this is when you should see an Electrophysiologist.[iv]

If you have pacemaker or defibrillator you may need to an Electrophysiologist. Your device may need optimization or adjustment, and Electrophysiologist is trained to do that.

If you have history of passing out (syncope), with or without a clear diagnosis, you may want to consult with an Electrophysiologist. Patients with syncope are often misdiagnosed, and ultimately see an Electrophysiologist for correct diagnosis.

In summary, if you have any of the following situations, you may want to see an Electrophysiologist.

  1. Patients with pacemakers and defibrillators
  2. Patient with syncope ( passing out or loss of consciousness)
  3. Patients with seizure disorder who do not respond to medical therapy.
  4. Patients with palpitation, racing heart beat, or irregular heart beat.
  5. Patients with any type of cardiac arrhythmia, particularly atrial fibrillation
  6. Patients with heart failure, coronary artery disease, and patients with prior heart surgery or catheterization.
  7. Patients with stroke with unknown cause

Heart Rhythm Specialists of South Florida

This practice has two locations:

South Miami Office
5975 Sunset Drive, Suite 802 in South Miami, FL 33143

Homestead Office
975 Baptist Way, Suite 202 in Homestead, FL 33033

Phone: (305) 663-3377
Fax: (305) 663-3097
Website:www.heartrhythmsfla1.com

Posted by Axiom Administrative Services
Phone/Fax: 800-888-6348

 

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