What is an Arrhythmia?

We use the term arrhythmia to describe any irregularity in the normal rhythm of the heart. Normally, the sinus node sets the pace of the heart. However, under certain circumstances, an electrical signal may arise from other areas of the heart. This may cause an irregularity in the heartbeat, or it may cause the heart to race. In other circumstances, there may be a problem with the AV node or the electrical system leading to the ventricles. This may cause the heart to beat very slowly or to skip a beat. Finally, some people are born with extra groups of cells that connect the atria to the ventricles, in effect “short circuiting” the heart. This may cause rapid heartbeats. All of these situations can be described as an arrhythmia.

What is an Electrophysiologist?

An Electrophysiologist is a physician who specializes in the care and treatment of patients with arrhythmias. An Electrophysiologist goes through additional training after Internal Medicine and Cardiology training. An Electrophysiologist may therefore be board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiology and Electrophysiology. Although an Electrophysiologist is board certified in Cardiology, their focus is on the heart’s rhythm and causes of arrhythmias. An Electrophysiologist is qualified to perform special tests of your heart’s electrical system, such as an electrophysiology study or an ablation. In addition, an Electrophysiologist may implant pacemakers and defibrillators. An Electrophysiologist does not perform angiograms or angioplasties. These are procedures that your Cardiologist may perform. In addition, routine cardiac tests, such as stress tests and echocardiograms, are performed by your general Cardiologist.