Specialists
These professionals may help you diagnose and treat your arrhythmia.
- Primary care doctor
- An internist or general physician could be your primary care doctor. They could be:
- Diagnose an arrhythmia
- Start treatment
- coordinate care
- Keep records of your activities
- Refer to specialists
Cardiologist
A cardiologist may be referred to you by your primary care physician for further treatment and evaluation. A cardiologist is a specialist in heart problems, including arrhythmias. A variety of diagnostic tests will be performed by your cardiologist to determine if you have an Arrhythmia, which part of your heart is affected and how severe it is.
Electrophysiologist
An electrophysiologist may be referred by your primary care doctor, cardiologist, or other medical professional. This is a specialist in arrhythmia care. You may be referred to them for a treatment plan and they will relay this information to your general physician for further care.
Prepare for your appointment
Ask your doctor if there are any restrictions before you make an appointment. If your doctor is going to draw blood, for example, you may be asked to limit your diet.
It’s important that you bring all the information necessary to get a diagnosis from your doctor. This will help you save time and prevent you from forgetting important information.
Your doctor will ask you questions
Your doctor will ask about your lifestyle, including smoking, drinking and illicit drug use. It is important to answer honestly. If you have accurate and complete information, your doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis. Keep in mind that your doctor will not be able to see what you have told them.
Your doctor may also ask you if you have experienced extreme mental or emotional stress a job loss
- A death in the family
- Relationship issues
- Arrhythmia can be caused by high levels of stress.
- Your doctor might also ask you these questions:
- When did your symptoms begin?
- Are you experiencing symptoms constantly or just occasionally?
- What are your symptoms?
- What is the best thing for your symptoms?
- What is causing your symptoms to get worse?
- These questions can be answered with the help of your information.