What's an EP?

[Love100cats]

Many of you mention seeing an EP. I've been trying to work out what they do. Is it some kind of practitioner?

[Sususulio]

This might help explain (I think)

everydayhealth.com/heart-he...

[Love100cats in reply to Sususulio]

Thank you SusieaAG. That explained well. It's no wonder I didn't know as we don't have EP's in our local hospital. We have consultant and doctor as well as h.a. nurses but we have to travel to have angioplasties plus.

[BigT2013]

Electro Physiologist, consultant that deals with electrical impulses and electrical side of the heart and its function.

[RoyM in reply to BigT2013]

To put it simply....EP = heart electrician. Cardiologist = heart plumber. Simplistic I know lol

[Love100cats in reply to RoyM]

Even I will be able to remember that. But I'm afraid I might cause offense by thinking plumber when I do see a cardiologist and electrician when I next have an echo😕

[Alison_L in reply to Love100cats]

I just refer to them as "The Electricians"

[Prada47 in reply to RoyM]

Just looked on check a trade and can't find one !! where to next !!! lol

[Love100cats in reply to Prada47]

When and where will this search end?😁

[Hidden in reply to RoyM]

Well - and I always thought it meant Extended Play and cost about 2/- more than an SP!

[Love100cats in reply to Hidden]

Fancy that! Being named after a piece of equipment that plays music! On a serious note, these posts have made me realize who and what I saw when in H last year and I did see an EP. My husband has always seen a technician to check his heart but I was in different room, white clothing, different equipment and it took a long time with her wrestling me into position. Also the resulting letter is very detailed about heart function including diagnosis. So I'm happy I've seen an EP. And if I'd not asked the question I don't know if I would have recalled it.

[Love100cats in reply to BigT2013]

Thanks. Now I know and I'm pleased that you are all in agreement otherwise I would end up even more confused than I am now🙃

[daisy2311]

Physiologists often carry out echoes etc.. you probably have one but not aware, as I only realised when I noticed a staff badge.

[Love100cats in reply to daisy2311]

Yes I did have an echocardiogram at my local H so we do have an EP. You live and learn. But in my defense I was so grateful to be having the echo I don't I would have cared what the badge said. I do remember a male nurse trying to explain to me how complex the procedure was but I'd been waiting a couple of hours as they had to squeeze me in last moment. Thankyou. Another piece of a hazy jigsaw!

[Love100cats]

To happyJo. Just when I think I've got it sorted🙃 but I think I've got it now😉

[Alison_L in reply to Love100cats]

My EP fitted my ICD, if that helps?

[Prada47]

Hi Love Cats

For some reason every time I type something I seem to lose it

So lets try again, I am off to see the EP Cardiologist in the very near future, says my Intervention Cardiologist ( the one who did my stents ) The last time I saw a Nurse Practitioner she would normally say you are having an Ectopic every 1/2/3/4/5 Heart Beats Now she says your having an Heart Beat every 1/2/3/4/5 ectopic beaats. Ectopic beats have taken over my Heart Help !!! They are making me both Dizzy and Breathless. I have had Ectopic beats since having a Heart Attack in 1982 and they have never really bothered me, but I did start to notice them more and more in the past 2 or 3 years. In March 2017 I had stents put into my LAD because of severe stenosis My LAD had been by passed in 2015 but needed more work, my RCA is 100% blocked . After the stents in 2017 the Ectopic beats really did kick in and I think maybe that's why they are looking to do something about it, or because of the progressing Heart Failure!! So it's Holter again then lets see what can be done. I was going to say it will feel like losing an old friend except I hate the bloody things. I also think that when the Cardiologist was listening to my Heart last Tuesday it was all over the place thumping about, when I asked did she feel them Yes she said and I can really hear them as well lol, I will let you know how I progress.

Best Regards

[Love100cats in reply to Prada47]

I hope it goes well for you. I'm amazed at how different each person's story is. I thought I was informed after caring for my husband 30 years but it's a case of daily learning curves. But it's good to know. I feel more prepared now re my own health. Take care.