ep or cardiologist

I am thinking about changing doctors, have a 2 lead medtronic pacemaker since 9/06. I am 100% paced they tell me from the monitoring every 2 months. Have left bundle block and blocked av node.I realize they are both cardiologist but I don't want to make the wrong choice. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Paul

6 Comments

EP all the way

by boatman50 - 2008-02-05 04:02:24

I can only back up what Ela-girl says. And it seems my ep knows so much more about al this than my cardiologist. He has helped me so much, I don't think the cardiologist understood what was going on.
Best of luck on your decision,
Boatman

EP

by ela-girl - 2008-02-05 04:02:49

Hi, Paul.

EP's specialize in the electrical system of the heart and are more trained in device implantations since pacemakers and ICD's deal with the heart's electrical system. EP's are trained two years or longer than regular cardios. I have an EP and am very happy. Not everyone has an EP, though, and still receive great care. It is also important that you are comfortable with your provider. Is there a reason you want to switch doctors?

Best of luck to you!
ela-girl

Hands Down-EP

by Carol - 2008-02-05 07:02:25

You want the "Electrician" rather than the "Plumber" if you have a choice. I'm in agreement with all previous posts...Good luck in finding a good Doctor. Carol

EP Definantly!

by scadnama - 2008-02-05 08:02:59

I was seeing a regular cardiologist when I first started having problems. He ruled out all of the obvious cardiac problems and decided that it must be an electrical issue. He immediatly sent me to an EP. They are so much more knowledgeable. My vote is 100% EP!

Good luck!

Amanda

Get the Electrician

by bowlrbob - 2008-02-06 02:02:39

In the hospital I went to when I was in trouble I was wired up when I had an VasoVagal attack. This is an electrical problem. The nurses and the physicians saw it and their response was... Cancel the heart Dr. and call the electrician. Hands down the EP. Bowlrbob

Definitely EP

by gmnordy - 2008-02-06 09:02:38

I had EP while living in NC, where I had PM put in. I got a "regular" cardiologist when I moved back to Ohio. Big mistake. So I have changed doctors to an EP and what a difference! So I vote EP.
Debbi

You know you're wired when...

You have a shocking personality.

Member Quotes

I had a pacemaker when I was 11. I never once thought I wasn't a 'normal kid' nor was I ever treated differently because of it. I could do everything all my friends were doing; I just happened to have a battery attached to my heart to help it work.