An electrophysiologist is a doctor who’s an expert in diagnosing and treating issues with your heart’s electrical system. A type of cardiologist, they can do testing to find which area in your heart is causing a problem with your heart rhythm. Then they can fix the issue, sometimes right after the diagnostic procedure.
An electrophysiologist is a heart specialist with a deep understanding of your heart’s electrical system. This is what makes your heart beat and circulate blood to your body. Normally, your heart beats in an orderly and efficient way. Electrical signals follow a normal pathway to make your heart pump again and again.
When something goes wrong with your heart’s electrical impulses, you may need to see an electrophysiologist. They can figure out what’s happening in your heart and fix it.
A pediatric electrophysiologist treats children or teens who have heart rhythm problems.
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An electrophysiologist diagnoses and treats conduction problems in your heart. They find out why your heart has an irregular rhythm and why your heart’s electrical signals aren’t going through the normal pathways. A cardiac electrophysiologist can tell the difference between an annoying but harmless arrhythmia and a dangerous one.
They can figure out what’s causing your electrical problem and where the problem starts. Once they know what’s causing the issue, they can treat it. With a method like a catheter ablation, more than 90% of treatments are successful. Because of this, electrophysiologists can improve the quality of life for many people they treat.
An electrophysiologist is a specialized type of cardiologist. A cardiologist treats heart disorders and diseases. An electrophysiologist is an expert in your heart’s electrical system that controls your heart rhythm.
An electrophysiologist treats heart issues that have to do with your heart rhythm. Many of these involve heartbeats that are irregular or too fast. Some conditions are more dangerous than others. Heart rhythm-related conditions include:
A provider may refer you to an electrophysiologist if they believe you have an electrical problem with your heart. You may see a cardiac electrophysiologist if your heart rate is faster or slower than normal or irregular instead of consistent.
An electrophysiologist can do rhythm recording or heart imaging to look for the cause of your issue. Many of these procedures are noninvasive. Some may require an IV in your arm. Tests may include:
You should see a cardiac electrophysiologist when you’re having symptoms that include:
Many heart rhythm issues have similar symptoms in common. It takes an electrophysiologist’s expertise to determine which kind of abnormal heart rhythm you’re having.
Most likely, you’ll need a referral to see an electrophysiologist. Even if your insurance company doesn’t require a referral, another provider will probably refer you when they suspect a heart rhythm issue.
An electrophysiologist will review your medical history and discuss any symptoms you’re having. They’ll also want a list of all medicines you’re taking, including those you buy without a prescription. A cardiac electrophysiologist may do a quick test like an electrocardiogram (EKG) or send you home with an event monitor that can record your heart rhythms for a certain length of time.
If you’ve already had these tests, an electrophysiologist may do a test that provides more information for a diagnosis. After making a diagnosis, an electrophysiologist can do a treatment. Sometimes they can do this during the same visit. Treatment may consist of a procedure or device implantation.
Electrophysiologists can pinpoint your issue and determine the right treatment for you. It could be as simple as a new medication. Other people may need a device to ensure a reliable heartbeat.
Treatments include:
After medical school, electrophysiologists fulfill a general internal medicine residency. They also complete a cardiovascular disease fellowship and then another year or two of training. Then they can pursue board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine. They have to take and maintain multiple board certifications.
Electrophysiologists work in private practice with other cardiologists. They also work in hospitals and do testing in an electrophysiology lab. This is also known as an EP lab or catheterization “cath” lab.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If you’ve had several fainting episodes, you may be able to get answers from an electrophysiologist. They can do tests to find what’s causing your heart rhythm issues. Ask questions if you don’t understand the test they want to do. Once they have a diagnosis, they’ll explain possible treatments to you. Although seeing a specialist may be out of your comfort zone, rest assured that electrophysiologists are experts when it comes to understanding and treating heart rhythms.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/10/2022.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy