Electrophysiology

Our electrophysiology service diagnoses and treats heart-rhythm disorders, from atrial fibrillation to inherited conditions. Working within our heart and vascular teams across the UAE, we use rhythm monitoring, catheter ablation and pacemakers or other implanted devices to steady an irregular heartbeat and lower the risks it can bring.

What is electrophysiology?

Electrophysiology is the branch of cardiology that focuses on the heart's electrical system, which sets the pace and pattern of each heartbeat. Electrophysiologists diagnose and treat heart-rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), conditions such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia and heart block. Much of their work is ongoing rhythm monitoring and regular device checks. General cardiologists deal mainly with the heart's arteries and pumping, and any operations are performed by cardiac surgeons.

When should you see an electrophysiologist?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• Palpitations or a racing heartbeat
• A heartbeat that feels irregular or skips beats
• Fainting or blackouts
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• A fluttering feeling in your chest

A very fast or irregular heartbeat with chest pain, breathlessness or fainting can be an emergency. Seek emergency care straight away.

You might also be referred to an electrophysiologist after a routine check finds an abnormal rhythm, even without symptoms. Atrial fibrillation, one of the most common heart-rhythm disorders, is often picked up when a doctor feels your pulse or looks at an ECG. Because it raises the risk of stroke, finding and treating it early makes a difference.

Risk also rises with age, high blood pressure and other heart conditions. In the UAE you'll often be able to book a cardiologist directly, though some insurers ask for a referral from your family doctor first.

What to expect

At your first appointment, the electrophysiologist will ask about your symptoms, your medical history and family history, then examine you and check your pulse. Because rhythm problems come and go, they'll often start with a heart tracing known as an ECG and a wearable monitor, such as a Holter, that records your heartbeat over a day or more. Some people also have an electrophysiology study, which maps the heart's signals from the inside.

Treatment depends on the type of rhythm problem. Many people manage well by avoiding triggers such as caffeine and taking medicines that steady the heartbeat or lower stroke risk. When a procedure is needed, the options include catheter ablation to correct the faulty signals, cardioversion to reset the rhythm, and implanted devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators. Your electrophysiologist will talk through the choices and agree a plan with you.

Electrophysiology at Mediclinic

Our electrophysiology service manages heart-rhythm problems as part of the heart and vascular care at our UAE hospitals. Much of this work is based at our Heart and Vascular Centre in Dubai, and our cardiology teams in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain also care for heart-rhythm problems. To find what's causing your symptoms, we monitor your heart rhythm over time, and a tilt test can show why you faint. When treatment is needed, our electrophysiologists carry out catheter ablation and fit pacemakers and defibrillators. Because they work closely with general cardiologists and heart surgeons, you can move easily between rhythm care, other heart care and surgery when you need it.