| So - what's wrong with me seeing a regular cardiologist ? Firstly - you are likely to be referred to a general cardiologist when you first visit your GP / PCP with symptoms, or like me you might be / might have been referred directly from an ER / A&E dept. Doctors in general do not know a great deal about IST. This became clear to me over a number of years. To see an account of my experiences visit the stories page. They have many different aspects of cardiac disease to focus on, and whilst this may not be a reasonable excuse for them to not know about IST - it is realistic. IST is rare. Ok - if not a general cardiologist? Then who do I need to see ? You need to be seen by a Cardiac Electrophysiologist. An EP (electrophysiologist) is a cardiologist who has made the study and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias (heart rhythm disturbances) their specialism. They are experts in all kinds of heart rhythm problems including IST. This is very important - because IST can be confused with other more common kinds of arrhythmia. A cardiologist may not be able to make a diagnosis and you may be referred onto an EP. Or, you may have to take the brave step and ask for a referral to an EP if you feel you are not being correctly treated. For anyone with any kind of arrhythmia - it is reasonable to ask to see an EP. Ok - so how do I find an EP (Cardiac Electrophysiologist) ? Firstly - your cardiologist may refer you directly without you having to ask - if this happens it is reasonable to ask who you have been referred to by name. You can then get more info about this particular doctor. If your cardiologist is unwilling to refer you, in the UK you can ask for a private referral. Many EPs will accept referrals directly from GPs. In the US, information on EPs is also available. I do not have information on how referrals to EPs work in the US. You would need to discuss this with your GP / PCP. Can I get the 'low-down' on my EP ? Can I find out if there is an EP in my area ? Yes Visit the links below for specialist information on EPs and the areas they cover. The links below will not necessarily tell you if a particular EP has a specialist interest in IST and all EPs do not perform the invasive treatments for IST - but if invasive treatment is considered - you could be referred. It is important to know how much experience your EP has with IST. For questions to ask your EP see the tests & diagnosis section. Find a Heart Rhythm Specialist - worldwide database from the Heart Rhythm Society. an organization of doctors, scientists, and other healthcare professionals throughout the world dedicated to the study and the management of cardiac arrhythmias. Rhythm Specialists Directory - Canada Only from arrhythmia online. This site is run by cardiologists and electrophysiologists. You may need to register to access the directory. Consultant Directory - UK Only from specialist info.com. Search facilities for UK Consultants, Specialist Interests, NHS and Private Hospitals and Practices. You many need to register to use search facility. drfoster - Consultant Guide - UK Only Founded by leading journalists and healthcare professionals. Search facility for UK based Consultants and Specialists. Links to Hospital Guides. UK Users please note : The General Medical Council of the UK (United Kingdom) states that 'patients cannot usually be seen or treated by specialists, either in the NHS or private practice, without a referral, usually from a general practitioner'. |
| If you have any links you would like to see here on IST or related conditions; then please send them to me via email. I cannot guarantee all submissions will be posted, some may be editied if necessary. |
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| The content of this page was last modified at 12:52 GMT+1 Thursday 22nd November 2007 |
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