How to become an electrophysiologist?

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An electrophysiologist is a cardiologist who specializes in the study of electrical impulses that affect heart rhythm. To become an electrophysiologist, many years of study are required. Patients who will seek advice from an electrophysiologist include those with cardiac arrhythmias or to determine their risk for heart disease or sudden cardiac arrest. A physician must have a keen interest in the electrical workings of the heart to become an electrophysiologist.

The process to become an electrophysiologist is a long one. The normal four years of medical school must be completed, followed by three years in a resident program. After that, they will specialize in cardiology through a scholarship, which can take two to three years. Only after that can electrophysiology be studied, which can take up to two years. Basically, becoming an electrophysiologist can take up to twelve years from start to finish.

Once the physician becomes an electrophysiologist, patients will be referred to them by general practitioners or cardiologists. They can perform a number of different procedures used to establish the presence and severity of cardiac abnormalities and arrhythmias. They range from simple, non-invasive procedures, such as echocardiograms and placement of external heart rate monitors, to more invasive procedures, which include an electrophysiology study and the placement of pacemakers.

Echocardiograms record the heart’s impulses and allow the electrophysiologist to establish what type of arrhythmia, if any, is present. A Holter monitor can be placed on a patient to determine how the heart is working over a period of time. It records the continuous functioning of the heart for a day or two. Alternatively, an event recorder can be used, which responds only if there is a change in the heart rhythm and sends a signal. All this helps to establish the type of arrhythmia and the best treatment.

During an electrophysiology study, performed under highly controlled conditions in the electrophysiology laboratory, the patient is connected to an intravenous line and several monitors and given medication to relax them, but not to put them to sleep. Local pain reliever will be injected into a spot in the groin where a small incision is made to insert a catheter. This is guided to the heart. A pacemaker is used to increase the heart rate, and drugs may be given to see their effect. Constant monitoring is done throughout.

Depending on what is seen, a pacemaker may be inserted, medication prescribed, or surgery recommended. The procedure can take anywhere from two to four hours, and in most cases, the patient can go home afterwards. A friend or family member must drive them, due to the sedative that is given. The job of an electrophysiologist is very specialized and intricate and requires years of study and experience.

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