ECOFR,

My two cents... these guys are different. I don't think my EP would be a 'regular' cardio-doctor. EP is narrowly focused on electro-physical problems, whereas the cardio-doctor recoginzes a broad spectrum of problems. Not all heart problems are EP related.

My friend indicates within the cardio-doctor, there are two types: maintenance, and intervention. The 'maintenance' is like your regular family doctor, whereas the 'intervention' is just that: there is a acute problem that needs immediate intervention. Once past the issue, then go back to the maintenance cardio-doctor. I haven't asked my cardio-doctor about it yet...

Wonder what others think?

Robert

I have both. After 5 cardioversions nothing changed so now I go to my cardiologist who is keeping my beat at 60 with meds and if I needed anything like another cardioversion or something on that order I would go back to the EP. For now I have no need for an EP.

I have both. The cardiologists that I have seen never diagnosed me properly. They told me I had "afib" but never the specific type of afib "vagal". Therein lies the source of my repeated trips to the ER. I was not on the right medicine for my specific type until I saw an EP. I would keep both on tap if I were you:)

never had cardio version - I do have a pacemaker - but my cardio guy is proactive and we have a good relationship. he consults and shares information with the EP doc who implanted the pacemaker (and she is okay with that set up) as well as with other docs involved in my menu of challenges: pulmonary, nephrologist, internist.
I believe in having a good relationship with my docs in that we can discuss the why's and wherefore's of symptoms and treatment. I have walked away from docs who preferred a one way discussion.
be well, Rich

I have both. My cardiologist confers with the EP at critical times, such as advising before and after the ablation, and to perform the ablation. Otherwise, I am managed by my cardiologist.

I have both, and they are both from the same hospital department so they can easily compare notes. I originally just had a regualr cardiologist, who young and friendly, really mismanaged my afib (told me to take it east and don't worry, and that's all, no meds, no blood thinner, nothing!) I immediatedly found 2 EP's chose one, and asked his recommendation for a cardiologist.

i am with an hmo facey group , i am really having a issue with seeing an EP .
they feel that when i ask them for an EP that is just a technot a doctor ,i am ok with a cardiologist .
how do i get to thier head .

in my world of specialists, the EP - who is an MD - specifically states on her business card: "practice limited to cardiac Electrophysiology".

the cardiologist may be more holistic in treatment but I believe for effective treatment, one does not replace the other

Because A-fib is caused by the electrical system in the heart, it makes sense to see an EP. I'm going to see one next Friday to see what further treatments might be available for my A-Fib. I have a great cardiologist, who is in the same group, but I will utilize both of them. If you need an ablation you definitely want an EP. It takes more education honestly to be an EP then your basic cardiologist, and far more to become a cardiac surgeon. I also have one of them as I had open heart surgery 10 years ago.

I originally saw a cardiologist who wanted to immediately put in a pace maker. I went to an EP after that who is also a cardiologist and treats cardiovascular dieases. He opted to start with a cardioversion then go the usual route. I like him and trust him and he always takes time with me . I feel lucky.

shantima, why did the cardio doc suggest the pacemaker? it took two overnight monitoring sessions of my heart to convince me I needed a pacemaker. my heart beat slowed while sleeping and STOPPED a couple of times. the second time I used the monitor, the heart beat stopped for about 8 seconds - 4 times as long as the first monitor session. I always wanted to die in my sleep but not before my "time". it was an EP that did the implant. be well, Rich

A pace maker will control the heart rate, but it does nothing to cure A-fib. You still have it and you still have the problems associated with it.

My a-fib itself is asymptomatic. The problem is I'm exhausted all the time and don't feel well. It isn't my heart rate giving me all the problems.