What They Treat, Training, and More

An electrocardiologist, also known as a cardiac electrophysiologist, is a cardiologist who specializes in the electrical system of the heart.

These doctors receive the same education and training as a cardiologist, as well as additional training to diagnose and treat heart arrhythmias and cardiac rhythm disorders.

An abnormal heart rhythm, also known as an arrhythmia, occurs when there’s a problem with the electrical impulses that coordinate heartbeats.

Some heart arrhythmias don’t cause symptoms, so it’s possible to have one and not realize it until a routine physical examination. An electrocardiologist can determine what type of arrhythmia you have, and then recommend a treatment based on the diagnosis.

Common causes of an irregular heartbeat include:

1. Atrial fibrillation

Also known as AFib, this is when the upper chambers in the heart beat out of coordination with the lower chambers. This is a common cause of an irregular heartbeat, according to the American Heart Association. AFib can cause:

• heart palpitations
• fatigue
• dizziness
• shortness of breath
• chest pain

If left untreated, there’s the risk of blood clots and stroke. This condition can also weaken the heart and lead to heart failure.

2. Bradycardia

This is when the heart beats too slowly, fewer than 60 beats per minutes (bpm). Symptoms can include:

• fainting
• dizziness
• fatigue
• shortness of breath
• chest pain

3. Tachycardia

This is when the heart beats too fast, at a resting heart rate of more than 100 bpm. Supraventricular tachycardia originates in the top chambers of the heart, whereas ventricular tachycardia originates in the lower chambers of the heart.

Ventricular fibrillation is another type of tachycardia, which is rapid fluttering of the heart muscles. This prevents blood from properly pumping to the body. If left untreated, an extremely fast heart rate could cause heart failure, stroke, or cardiac arrest.

4. Sudden cardiac arrest

This is when the heart unexpectedly stops beating due to a change in heart rhythm. This can occur in people with or without heart disease.

5. Long QT syndrome

This refers to a fast, chaotic heart rate that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. With this condition, an abnormality in the electrical system of your heart means it takes longer for your heart muscles to recharge between beats.

6. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a rare congenital heart disorder where extra electrical pathways in your heart trigger an abnormal heartbeat. Symptoms include heart palpitations, breathing difficulty, lightheadedness, and chest pain.

Some heart arrhythmias and heart rhythm disorders aren’t caused by an underlying medical problem. Irregular heartbeats can also occur during pregnancy, or as a side effect of a medication, which your electrocardiologist can determine.

Since an electrocardiologist is also a cardiologist, these doctors have the same education requirements — about 10 years of training after completion of an undergraduate degree.

This includes four years of medical school, three years of general internal medicine education, also called a residency, and three years of specialized training in cardiovascular diseases.

A cardiologist can continue their education to become an electrocardiologist. If so, they’ll complete an extra two years of training to become board-certified in clinical cardiac electrophysiology.

The main difference between an electrocardiologist and a cardiologist is the level of training each doctor receives, and their main areas of expertise.

Electrocardiologists sub-specialize in electrophysiology. This medical specialty delves into the study and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. This is their primary area of expertise.

Cardiologists also receive some education and training in electrophysiology, but only about a year.

Your primary care doctor may detect an irregular heartbeat on a physical exam. You’ll likely receive a referral to an electrocardiologist for testing.

Some heart arrhythmias don’t cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they include:

• dizziness
• fluttering in the heart
• chest pain
• lightheadedness
• sweating
• fainting
• fatigue

See a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you have risk factors for arrhythmia, such as:

• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• sleep apnea
• heart disease
• thyroid disease

Understanding the underlying cause of a heart arrhythmia involves undergoing one or more tests. Your electrocardiologist will ask about your medical history, family history, and symptoms. Tests to diagnose the cause of an abnormal heart rhythm include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This test records the electrical activity of your heart at rest.
• Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to create images of the heart. It can assess your heart’s:
  • shape
  • size
  • function
  • structure
• Holt monitor. You’ll wear a portable ECG for a couple of days. It records your heart rhythm as you complete everyday tasks.
• Event monitor. Some people have arrhythmias that come and go. With this test, you’ll have a portable device attached to your body for about a month. You’ll activate this device whenever you experience symptoms of an irregular heartbeat.
• Stress test. You’ll ride a stationary bike or run on a treadmill while your doctor monitors the electrical activity of your heart. This can help determine whether exercise induces arrhythmias.
• Tilt table test. You’ll lie on a table that moves at different angles. This test helps diagnose the underlying cause of fainting spells. Your doctor monitors your heart rate and blood pressure as the table tilts in various directions.

Heart arrhythmias can be dangerous and life-threatening if left untreated. An electrocardiologist, however, has the training and expertise to diagnose an irregular heart rhythm and recommend treatment.

See a doctor if you experience any symptoms of a heart arrhythmia. These symptoms include chest pain, lightheadedness, or heart palpitations. Electrocardiologists specialize in diagnosing these conditions.

You may receive a referral to an electrocardiologist from your healthcare provider or you can use an online search tool to find an electrocardiologist in your area.

Read this article in Spanish.

What They Treat, Training, and More

An electrocardiologist, also known as a cardiac electrophysiologist, is a cardiologist who specializes in the electrical system of the heart.

These doctors receive the same education and training as a cardiologist, as well as additional training to diagnose and treat heart arrhythmias and cardiac rhythm disorders.

An abnormal heart rhythm, also known as an arrhythmia, occurs when there’s a problem with the electrical impulses that coordinate heartbeats.

Some heart arrhythmias don’t cause symptoms, so it’s possible to have one and not realize it until a routine physical examination. An electrocardiologist can determine what type of arrhythmia you have, and then recommend a treatment based on the diagnosis.

Common causes of an irregular heartbeat include:

1. Atrial fibrillation

Also known as AFib, this is when the upper chambers in the heart beat out of coordination with the lower chambers. This is a common cause of an irregular heartbeat, according to the American Heart Association. AFib can cause:

• heart palpitations
• fatigue
• dizziness
• shortness of breath
• chest pain

If left untreated, there’s the risk of blood clots and stroke. This condition can also weaken the heart and lead to heart failure.

2. Bradycardia

This is when the heart beats too slowly, fewer than 60 beats per minutes (bpm). Symptoms can include:

• fainting
• dizziness
• fatigue
• shortness of breath
• chest pain

3. Tachycardia

This is when the heart beats too fast, at a resting heart rate of more than 100 bpm. Supraventricular tachycardia originates in the top chambers of the heart, whereas ventricular tachycardia originates in the lower chambers of the heart.

Ventricular fibrillation is another type of tachycardia, which is rapid fluttering of the heart muscles. This prevents blood from properly pumping to the body. If left untreated, an extremely fast heart rate could cause heart failure, stroke, or cardiac arrest.

4. Sudden cardiac arrest

This is when the heart unexpectedly stops beating due to a change in heart rhythm. This can occur in people with or without heart disease.

5. Long QT syndrome

This refers to a fast, chaotic heart rate that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. With this condition, an abnormality in the electrical system of your heart means it takes longer for your heart muscles to recharge between beats.

6. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a rare congenital heart disorder where extra electrical pathways in your heart trigger an abnormal heartbeat. Symptoms include heart palpitations, breathing difficulty, lightheadedness, and chest pain.

Some heart arrhythmias and heart rhythm disorders aren’t caused by an underlying medical problem. Irregular heartbeats can also occur during pregnancy, or as a side effect of a medication, which your electrocardiologist can determine.

Since an electrocardiologist is also a cardiologist, these doctors have the same education requirements — about 10 years of training after completion of an undergraduate degree.

This includes four years of medical school, three years of general internal medicine education, also called a residency, and three years of specialized training in cardiovascular diseases.

A cardiologist can continue their education to become an electrocardiologist. If so, they’ll complete an extra two years of training to become board-certified in clinical cardiac electrophysiology.

The main difference between an electrocardiologist and a cardiologist is the level of training each doctor receives, and their main areas of expertise.

Electrocardiologists sub-specialize in electrophysiology. This medical specialty delves into the study and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. This is their primary area of expertise.

Cardiologists also receive some education and training in electrophysiology, but only about a year.

Your primary care doctor may detect an irregular heartbeat on a physical exam. You’ll likely receive a referral to an electrocardiologist for testing.

Some heart arrhythmias don’t cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they include:

• dizziness
• fluttering in the heart
• chest pain
• lightheadedness
• sweating
• fainting
• fatigue

See a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you have risk factors for arrhythmia, such as:

• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• sleep apnea
• heart disease
• thyroid disease

Understanding the underlying cause of a heart arrhythmia involves undergoing one or more tests. Your electrocardiologist will ask about your medical history, family history, and symptoms. Tests to diagnose the cause of an abnormal heart rhythm include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This test records the electrical activity of your heart at rest.
• Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to create images of the heart. It can assess your heart’s:
  • shape
  • size
  • function
  • structure
• Holt monitor. You’ll wear a portable ECG for a couple of days. It records your heart rhythm as you complete everyday tasks.
• Event monitor. Some people have arrhythmias that come and go. With this test, you’ll have a portable device attached to your body for about a month. You’ll activate this device whenever you experience symptoms of an irregular heartbeat.
• Stress test. You’ll ride a stationary bike or run on a treadmill while your doctor monitors the electrical activity of your heart. This can help determine whether exercise induces arrhythmias.
• Tilt table test. You’ll lie on a table that moves at different angles. This test helps diagnose the underlying cause of fainting spells. Your doctor monitors your heart rate and blood pressure as the table tilts in various directions.

Heart arrhythmias can be dangerous and life-threatening if left untreated. An electrocardiologist, however, has the training and expertise to diagnose an irregular heart rhythm and recommend treatment.

See a doctor if you experience any symptoms of a heart arrhythmia. These symptoms include chest pain, lightheadedness, or heart palpitations. Electrocardiologists specialize in diagnosing these conditions.

You may receive a referral to an electrocardiologist from your healthcare provider or you can use an online search tool to find an electrocardiologist in your area.

Read this article in Spanish.

Electrocardiography – Vascular Innovation Center

Electrocardiography is a quick, simple, painless procedure in which the electrical impulses of the heart are amplified and recorded. This recording, an electrocardiogram (also known as an EKG), provides information about the part of the heart that fires each beat of the heart (the pacemaker, called the sinoatrial or sinus node), the nerve conduction pathways of the heart, the rate, and the rhythm of the heart.

Sometimes, an ECG may show that the heart is enlarged (usually due to high blood pressure) or that the heart is not getting enough oxygen due to a blockage in the blood vessels that supply the heart (coronary arteries). As a rule, an ECG is obtained if a heart defect is suspected.

Sometimes also obtained as part of a routine physical examination for middle-aged and elderly people, even if they do not have evidence of a heart disorder. It can be used as a basis for comparison with subsequent ECGs if a heart defect develops.

Heart rhythm disturbances and insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle can only occur briefly and unpredictably. To detect such problems, doctors may use continuous ambulatory electrocardiography, in which an ECG is recorded continuously for 24 hours while the person goes about their normal daily activities. How an EKG is Done To obtain an EKG, the examiner places electrodes (small round sensors that stick to the skin) and on the person’s arms, legs, and chest. These electrodes do not contain needles and are painless. If the hair is thick, then the area to which the electrodes are applied first can be shaved.

These electrodes measure the magnitude and direction of electrical currents in the heart during each heartbeat. The electrodes are connected by wires to a machine that produces a record (tracing paper) for each electrode. Each trace shows the electrical activity of the heart from different angles. The curves represent the ECG. The ECG takes about 3 minutes and has no risks. Electrocardiogram Electrocardiogram ECG: Wave Meaning An electrocardiogram (ECG) is an electrical current moving through the heart during a heartbeat. The current movement is divided into parts, and each part is assigned a letter designation on the ECG. Each heartbeat begins with an impulse from the pacemaker of the heart (sinus or sinoatrial node).

This impulse activates the upper chambers of the heart (atria). P waves represent atrial activations. Further, the electric current flows into the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). The qrs complex reflects ventricular activation. The electrical current travels to the ventricles in the opposite direction. This exercise is called the recovery wave, which is represented by T-waves. Many types of anomalies can often be seen on an ECG. These include a previous heart attack (myocardial infarction), abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), inadequate supply of blood and oxygen to the heart (ischemia), and excessive thickening (hypertrophy) of the muscular walls of the heart. Some abnormalities seen on an ECG may also suggest bulges (aneurysms) that form at weak points in the walls of the heart. Aneurysms can result from a heart attack. If the rhythm is abnormal (too fast, too slow, or irregular), the ECG may also indicate where in the heart the erratic rhythm begins. This information helps doctors determine the cause and the most appropriate treatment.

Cardiology – SALUS

Who is a cardiologist?

A cardiologist deals with the problems of the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

WHAT DISEASES DOES A CARDIOLOGIST TREAT

Cardiology is an extensive branch of medicine that studies the human cardiovascular system, the structure and development of the heart and blood vessels, their functions, and diseases:

• Arrhythmia
• Atherosclerosis 900 28
• Aneurysms
• Congenital or acquired heart disease
• Hypertension
• Ischemic heart disease
• Heart attack
• Cardiomyopathy
• Pericarditis
• Low blood pressure
• Pre-infarction condition
• Heart failure
• Vascular insufficiency
• Thrombosis and thrombophlebitis
• Angina pectoris
• Endocarditis

WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD YOU CONSULT A CARDIOLOGIST

Cardiovascular disease is a major factor in premature death. It is strongly recommended to visit a specialist if the following symptoms are detected:

• Pain or discomfort behind the sternum
• Pain or discomfort in the arms, left shoulder, elbows, jaw, back
• Heart rhythm disturbance
• Shortness of breath
• General physical weakness
• Severe dizziness or headaches
• Temporary impairment of vision, speech
• High blood pressure

CARDIOLOGIST’S CONSULTATION

In Salus Medical Center you can consult a cardiologist. A timely visit to the doctor will help to identify problems in the cardiovascular system and receive high-quality treatment.

DIAGNOSIS OF DISEASES

To detect cardiovascular diseases, a cardiologist can use the following diagnostic methods:

Electrocardiography (ECG)

Electrocardiography is a technique for recording the electrical fields produced by the heart. This technique allows you to determine the source of heart rate, regularity and heart rate.

Indications for ECG:

1. If coronary pathology is suspected
2. High blood cholesterol
3. Past infections
4. Pain in the heart, arrhythmia, shortness of breath
5. If complications are suspected
6. Preventive examinations

Holter blood pressure monitoring

Holter monitoring is a functional study of the cardiovascular system. This research method allows continuous recording of the dynamics of blood pressure (blood pressure) using a portable device (holter).

Indications for monitoring:

1. Suspicion of cardiac arrhythmia
2. Evaluation of the severity of arrhythmic conditions
3. Evaluation of the pacemaker
4. Evaluation of changes in heart rate
5. Detection of circulatory disorders of the heart
6. Tracking the dynamics of cardiac activity

Echocardiography (ECHO-KG)

Echocardiography is an ultrasound method aimed at studying morphological and functional changes in the heart and its valvular apparatus.