How important is it that AF sufferers consult an Electrophysiologist rather than a Cardiologist.

[Garywf]

I do not have total faith in my current cardiologist in that he seems to be always rushed and never takes the time to explore my case in depth.

My instances of AF episodes have increased significantly over the last twelve months & I believe that this may be attributable to way too much strenuous exercise. His response was to prescribe stronger medication without explaining the potential side effects or considering & discussing alternative approaches rather than simply more drugs.

Should I get my GP to refer me to an Electrophysiologist?

[BobD Volunteer]

YES in my opinion. general cardiologists may not be fully up to speed about the best way forward.Remember you have the right to be treated by who and where you want. there is a list by area of EPs on the main website. That said why are you worried about A F when you have a pacemaker as this is what is controlling your heart rate? People who have had pace and ablate still experience the fibrillation even if your heart rate is regular.. Until they invent a pacemaker to pace the atria as well as the ventricle this will always happen unless ablation can stop the fibrillation.. I would understand your comments better if you were saying you had a reveal but not with a pacemaker.. Must admit I am confused.

Bob

[Garywf in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob

The pacemaker will take care of a low heart rate but It will need Flecainide Acetate to handle abnormal fast rhythms.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Garywf]

Then an ablation to stop the AF is vital or you will end up with Pace and Ablate where they burn out your AV node and then you will be pacemaker dependent. GO see that EP .

[Hidden]

Electrophysiologist's are the specialists for heart electrics, so I would insist on being referred to one.

Koll

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Koll.

Just a matter of interest how would you approach and ' insist' if your Dr/Cardiologist were not acquiescing to your suggestion or appeal to be referred to an EP..C

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Hidden]

Complain to your CCP . It is your right to be treated by who and where you choose.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Caromia, I just picked up from this forum that you have the right to see who you want to see, so I would simply not take no for an answer. Bob has just confirmed it.

A few years ago I thought I had something starting, so after telling my GP about it three times with no action resulting, on the fourth occasion I didn't discuss anything just said I wanted to be referred and to whom. She just did it there and then without question.

So I wouldn't discuss the issue, i.e. ask if you ought to be referred or what their opinion is, I would simply just ask to be referred point blank, and to whom if you have someone in mind. If they refuse (is that likely?) then follow Bob's advice above.

I'm referring to the GP, I don;t understand what you are saying regarding the cardio but would have thought the same applies, just guessing.

Regards

Koll

[jennydog]

I am confused. As you have a pacemaker, can you explain who did that? Was it a pace and ablate? Did you not see an EP when it was done?

I think that I'm very lucky. My GP refered me to a Cardiologist who was excellent and really understood AF. He refered me on to an EP. I didn't have to ask. The EP has refered me back to the Cardiologist for monitoring prior to seeing him again in 4 months.

However, I was first refered to a different Cardiologist about 3 years ago. He had me on aspirin and Amiodorone. Totally inappropriate - it's a lottery!!

[Garywf in reply to jennydog]

Hi Jenny

No it was not a pace and ablate just a pacemaker done by my cardiologist & no I did not see an EP first.

[jennydog in reply to Garywf]

I saw an EP on Friday. I am quite sure that you need to see one too. If nothing else it'll give you an expert's second opinion.