What is EP?

Hello, Today I am at an RP28, not feeling well, and am getting closer to making a decisive date for the pm implant. I'm still learning about the subject. Can someone please tell me what the difference is between a cardiologist and an EP? I have only seen cardiologists. Thank you.

5 Comments

EP = Higher Experience

by AngrySparrow1 - 2016-05-18 05:05:35

I will see if I am able to find a study I read last year, I posted on this site, not sure where to find it. The gist is that significantly less negative outcomes happen when a Board Certified Electrophysiologist (EP) implants heart rhythm devices. The results of the study were startling to say the least.

In my opinion in North America it is very much in the clients interest to have a EP with a history of implanting several Pacemakers, ICD OR CRTS a year. More experience equals fewer negative results.

Do a little research on the net I think you will find some helpful information. I suggest you stay with recognized studies, with large numbers of participants, both male and female.

Do your researches first

by IAN MC - 2016-05-18 05:05:42

Sparrow makes a good point re certified EPs but some EPs are better at implanting PMs than others.

I was fortunate to meet a cardiology nurse at a social event prior to getting my PM .Her partner happened to be a PM tech. I asked the question "If you needed a PM which of the Drs would you want to do the implant ?"

The strength and consensus of their reply took me by surprise. . "We would only have Dr X do it, he is very slick at doing implants and his patients never seem to have problems ! ".

They actually told me which EPs to avoid ( not very professional but they had had a few glasses of grape juice !)

So the moral of the story is that when it comes to surgical procedures, some doctors are more skilful than others even though their qualifications may be identical.

Ian

Thank you.

by Heartfelt - 2016-05-18 06:05:49

Excellent advice and suggestions. Interestingly, one cardiologist told me he would refer me to someone to do the implant (now I understand he must have meant an EP) and the other cardiologist told me he would do it himself.

EP

by BillH - 2016-05-18 12:05:36

And electrophysiologist (EP) is a cardiologist that has additional training in the electrical activity of the heart.

They are typically the ones that install and adjust the PM. They also offer other treatment of the electrical operating of the heart.

EP or not EP

by IAN MC - 2016-05-18 12:05:43

Hi Heartfelt. An EP ( electro physiologist ) is a cardiologist but not all cardiologists are EPs

Hearts are a bit like pumps on your central heating / shower in that there is electricity and plumbing involved

EPs ,after qualifying as cardiologists specialise in the electrics of the heart and most are "interventional EPs " which means that they perform surgical interventions i.e things like implanting pacemakers ,doing ablations etc

The cardiologist / E.P. split sometimes becomes a little blurred though when it comes to fitting stents in blocked arteries as many cardiologist-plumbers do no surgical procedures and often the EP does those as well

Ian






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