A doctor that specializes in ElectroPhysiology. I just met with one for the first time this past month. My regular cardio doctor referred me and said he is more knowledgeable in treatments for my afib.

Thanks.....and good luck to you!

Cardiologists are more like plumbers, EPs are more like electricians. Both are crucial, but specialize in different areas. For afib, everyone needs a good EP.

EPs do the ablations so if an ablation is in one's future, one would see an EP.

Since being diagnosed with AF almost 5 years ago i've only seen a cardiologist. Warfarin is the only medication I've taken with no side effects, problems with blood testing, or staying in the INR range of 2-3.
There have been some changes in the frequency 2-3x/mo. and duration of episodes, now sometimes as long as 30 hours. My symptoms have been mild. With bradycardia my HR in AF stays below 100 BPM,
I think it's time to see an EP. I'm attempting to make an appointment with Dr. Natale. He's here @ CPMC in San Francisco one week a month.
i had the Holder Monitor when first diagnosed. Next week I'll go for the Zio Patch recommended by my cardiologist nurse practitioner.

I had a really nice call back from Dr. Natale's receptionist.

Making an appointment with him would be appropriate if I was thinking about having the ablation procedure. I thought that would be the case but you never know unless you try.
I can live with the mild symptoms I have with AF. Hopefully it doesn't progress.

That is wonderful, that it is made clear that you are seeing him to talk about an ablation.

That is what my EP does....ablations only. I went to him for help to manage my Afib, and he only wanted to talk ablation. I would have appreciated knowing this.

I am like you Annette, not interested in an ablation today.

In my opinion EP is a cardiologist who has specially trained in electrophysiology and threats his patients with medications and/or ablation, pacemaker, or whatever is most preferred method. I have been lucky to see a cardiologist/EP from the beginning of my diagnosis. My present doctor has long experience doing ablations and offered me options such as continuing with Tikosyl, doing AV node ablation and pacemaker, or a full ablation with 75% success rate. I have decided to take the first alternative and my doctor agrees with it. Today is day 16 without a-fib.I have occasional extra beats and sometimes missing beats. I can live with it. I am moving to a new home and state, after it is done I will wait and see. I wish warm sunny days to all in New England and elsewhere too. Marya

Annette, I saw a general cardiologist for the first 3-4 years of afib and his focus was rate control and "live with it". When my episodes became more frequent and my quality of life went downhill I found an EP, thinking ablation was my next step. He suggested I try flecainide first and gave me back my life! I have continued to see him annually.
While ablation is Natale's thing, there are lots of other EPs that might be able to offer other options. Consider getting their opinion.

marikay- I've done what you suggested. I made an appointment with Dr. Steven C. Hoa. He shares an office at CPMC with Dr. Natale. and others. I have an appointment for 5/26. Dr. Hoa is at this location just 2x/wk.
My cardiologist is at CPMC. The receptionist I made the appointment with said Dr; Hoa gets many referrals from him. Having the records transferred will be no problem.
Marya- Wishing you all the best in the move and the new home. Glad you're doing well in NSR.

I'm In AF. It's Day 9 since my last AF episode. My cycle seems to be between every 9-12 days. I'm glad it happened this morning. It was while parking my car, walking up a hill, then down a staircase to my appointment for the Zio patch which will be recording my HB 24/7 for the next 14 days. I'm looking forward to the results.
I have an appointment with Dr. Steven C. Hao 5/26/15. I'll call to see if I can get an earlier appt. though I doubt it. I'll have the Zio results by the end of April. At 81, time is of the essence. It's truly the essence at any age.
Annette