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Profile picture for Dana, Volunteer Mentor @danab

One area I would ask is the EP's experience with Heart Rythm's. I did not have Afib I had VTAC but I'm saying this as I navigated the area of Heart Rhythm problems. Besides the regular Cardiologist the Electrical areas are covered by EP (Eltro Philologist) Cardiology is also divided into parts of the Heart. Typically, AFIB is in the upper chambers of the Heart and my case was the Ventriculus or the lower part of the heart. The EP's actually specialize more in one area than another so I would ask if they handled mostly AFIB or were they more into the lower heart problems. I actually saw an AFIB Doctor once who did routine things as he was closer to me but I also had a specialist in my particular area of VTAC. There is a very large difference in treatment strategies depending on part of the Heart. And for me I met another specialist in the Heart area when I got a Transplant. Cardiologists who specialize with that field. Medical Science has sure developed into a lot of specialized fields.

I can't really help as to what else to talk about but like me they may talk about Ablations, Pacemakers and of course Medications. My best doctors knew when and how to best use medications along with procedures and even Pacemakers are really complex depending on the root problem. So as others have said testing will probably be a first step to get a good idea what your problem is and some strategies to best address them. I've had a pacemaker and have had multiple Ablations which are procedures to find electrical signals that cause your heart not to beat right. Its a way to try and stop those erratic signals from putting you into Afib. I had a few of those for my problem of VTAC.

So if I can help with any questions please ask. Some things are similar. Also you're in the right place with Mayo I had regular doctors and met Mayo here in Phoenix when I got to the point of needing a transplant. But now that I have, I cant say enough great things they have done for me. Great Organation

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Replies to "One area I would ask is the EP's experience with Heart Rythm's. I did not have..."

@danab
Dana, you seem to be 1 of very few on this site that has had a true Ventricular Tachycardia diagnosis, and not SVTach. My full diagnosis is Idiopathic Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia. I read many of the comments on Heart Rhythm and Pacemaker/ICD support groups, but the majority pertain to AFib and I am not sure how applicable they are to my condition. I am a 67yr male and had received an ICD 12 weeks ago. I do not have any serious underlying heart condition, so the cause is unknown. I am on Flecainide and have not had any VTach episodes since the implant. I have been ramping up physical activity (yard work, gym, hiking, trail maintenance) and almost back to previous level. However, I still get anxious about more strenuous activities, both about the physical ICD and leads, and concern that I will trigger the VTach. I have been looking for more members with similar conditions to mine to compare notes and concerns. Any advice?