What Is Cardiac Electrophysiology?
Heart palpitations that come out of nowhere, a heartbeat that feels too fast or too slow, or an AFib diagnosis you don’t fully understand — heart rhythm problems are unsettling precisely because you can feel that something’s off without knowing what. Cardiac electrophysiology is the subspecialty of cardiology focused on exactly this: the heart’s electrical system, and what happens when it misfires. An electrophysiologist is a cardiologist with additional fellowship training specifically in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders, known as arrhythmias.
At FHVI, cardiac electrophysiology covers the full pathway, from the first EKG that raises a question, through advanced diagnostic testing, to same-session treatment when a treatable rhythm disorder is confirmed.
Arrhythmia Diagnosis
Using EKGs, Holter and event monitors, and when needed, an in-office electrophysiology study, FHVI diagnoses atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, heart block, and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).
Catheter Ablation
For many arrhythmias, catheter ablation offers a long-term solution, using heat or cold delivered through a thin catheter to eliminate the tissue causing the abnormal rhythm.
Device-Based Rhythm Management
When medication and ablation aren’t enough, pacemakers, ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices continuously monitor and correct your heart’s rhythm.
Stroke Risk Reduction
For AFib patients who can’t safely take long-term blood thinners, left atrial appendage closure reduces stroke risk by closing off the area of the heart where most AFib-related clots form.
When You Should See an Electrophysiologist
Some rhythm symptoms need urgent evaluation; others are appropriate for a scheduled consultation. Either way, an electrophysiologist can usually offer more precise answers than a general workup alone.
Get evaluated urgently, if you have:
- Heart palpitations with dizziness or fainting
- A new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter
- Sustained rapid heartbeat that doesn’t resolve on its own
- A prior ICD shock needing evaluation
- Fainting (syncope) without a clear cause
Get evaluated proactively, if you have:
- Occasional palpitations that haven’t been formally diagnosed
- A known slow heart rate (bradycardia) with mild symptoms
- A family history of arrhythmia or sudden cardiac events
- AFib currently managed with medication, to discuss ablation or device options
- An abnormal EKG found during a routine physical
Emergency Warning
Sustained rapid heartbeat above 150 bpm with dizziness, chest pain, fainting, or multiple ICD shocks are emergencies. Call 911 immediately. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment.
Risks and Benefits of Electrophysiology Care
Treatment options range from no-risk diagnostic monitoring to catheter-based procedures and implanted devices, each with a well-established safety profile.
Benefits
- Precise diagnosis — pinpoints the exact type and source of your arrhythmia, not just "an irregular heartbeat"
- Durable treatment — catheter ablation can eliminate many arrhythmias long-term, not just manage symptoms
- Stroke risk reduction — AFib treatment and left atrial appendage closure both lower stroke risk significantly
- High-volume expertise — 250+ AFib ablations performed annually at FHVI
- Device technology that continuously protects against dangerous rhythms, not just treats symptoms after the fact
Risks
- EKG, Holter monitor, event monitor: no risk — entirely non-invasive
- Catheter ablation: bleeding/bruising at the access site (common, minor); rare vascular injury or need for a pacemaker
- Pacemaker/ICD implantation: infection or lead-related complications (uncommon)
- Cardioversion: skin irritation from pads (common, minor); very rare rhythm complications
- All procedures: very rare risk of stroke or serious complication, reviewed individually with your electrophysiologist
Palpitations, AFib, or an Irregular Heartbeat? Get a Precise Diagnosis.
FHVI’s cardiac electrophysiologist diagnoses and treats arrhythmias with advanced testing and same-session treatment options.
Cardiac Electrophysiology Procedures at FHVI
Every procedure below is available at FHVI without a referral to an outside electrophysiology center.
Electrophysiology Study (EP Study)
Maps your heart's electrical activity to identify the exact source of an arrhythmia. Often paired with ablation in the same session. See our dedicated EP Study page for full detail.
Catheter Ablation (AFib, SVT, Atrial Flutter, VT)
Uses heat or cold delivered through a catheter to eliminate the tissue causing your arrhythmia. FHVI performs 250+ AFib ablations annually.
Pacemaker Implantation
A small device implanted under the skin corrects a heart rate that beats too slowly, restoring normal activity tolerance.
ICD Implantation
An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator continuously monitors your heart rhythm and delivers a corrective shock if a life-threatening fast rhythm occurs.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)
A specialized device coordinates the timing of your heart's chambers, used for certain patients with heart failure and rhythm disorders together.
DC Cardioversion
A brief, controlled electrical shock delivered under sedation to restore normal heart rhythm, commonly used for AFib or atrial flutter.
Left Atrial Appendage Closure (Watchman)
Closes the area of the heart where most AFib-related clots form, an alternative to lifelong blood thinners for eligible patients.
Diagnostic Tests We Use
Before recommending treatment, your FHVI electrophysiologist builds an accurate picture of your heart’s rhythm using one or more of the following:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) — records electrical activity in about 10 minutes
- Holter monitor — continuous rhythm recording over 24-48 hours
- Event monitor — rhythm recording over 2-4 weeks for less frequent symptoms
- Electrophysiological mapping — detailed 3D mapping during an EP study
- Tilt table test — evaluates unexplained fainting related to blood pressure and heart rate regulation
- Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) — detailed heart imaging, often used before cardioversion or left atrial appendage closure
Meet Our Electrophysiology Specialist
FHVI’s electrophysiology program is led by a physician who has performed hundreds of ablations and directed national clinical research into rhythm disorders, giving Florida patients access to specialized heart rhythm care close to home.
Electrophysiologist Near Me — FHVI Locations
FHVI’s cardiac electrophysiology lab and procedures are based at our Davenport location. Patients from Ocala and across Florida searching for “electrophysiologist Ocala” or “arrhythmia specialist near me” are seen at Davenport for EP-specific testing and treatment; general cardiology and rhythm-related follow-up remain available at Ocala-area offices. Call ahead to confirm which location fits your specific need.
Why Patients Choose Florida Heart & Vascular Institute
From your first appointment to your last follow-up, here’s what makes care at FHVI different.
Founded & Trusted Since 1997
Nearly 30 years serving Florida patients, with physicians who've led cardiovascular research, cath labs, and clinical trials at the national level.
Board-Certified Specialists at Every Step
Every physician on your care team is board-certified in cardiovascular disease — not just supervising, but personally reading your results and directing your treatment.
15 Locations, One Standard of Care
Every FHVI office — from Ocala to Punta Gorda — is held to the same board-certified standard. Your zip code doesn't determine your quality of care.
Outpatient Cath Labs, Hospital-Level Precision
Advanced diagnostic and interventional cardiology performed on-site, without the wait or cost of a hospital admission.
Physicians Who Publish, Teach, and Lead
Our team includes journal editors, clinical trial investigators, and physicians who train the next generation of cardiologists — expertise that shapes your care directly.
Coordinated Care, Not Just a Checkup
Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up handled by the same team — no fragmented care, no repeating your history to a new provider each visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cardiac electrophysiology is the subspecialty of cardiology focused on the heart’s electrical system and the arrhythmias that occur when it misfires. An electrophysiologist has additional fellowship training beyond general cardiology specifically in diagnosing and treating rhythm disorders.
An electrophysiologist treats atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, SVT, ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, heart block, PVCs, and other heart rhythm disorders, using both diagnostic testing and procedures like ablation and device implantation.
An electrophysiology study is a diagnostic procedure that maps your heart’s electrical activity using thin catheters, identifying the exact type and source of an arrhythmia — often more precisely than a standard EKG or monitor.
Catheter ablation uses heat or cold delivered through a thin catheter to eliminate the small area of heart tissue causing an arrhythmia, often providing long-term or permanent relief from the abnormal rhythm.
See an electrophysiologist if you have palpitations, an irregular heartbeat, unexplained fainting, a new AFib diagnosis, or an abnormal EKG that needs further evaluation.
AFib treatment ranges from medication to control heart rate and rhythm, to catheter ablation for a more durable solution, to left atrial appendage closure for patients who need stroke protection without long-term blood thinners.
A pacemaker is typically recommended when your heart rate is too slow to meet your body’s needs, causing symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or fainting. Your electrophysiologist determines this through EKG and monitoring results.
A pacemaker speeds up a heart that beats too slowly. An ICD continuously monitors for and delivers a shock to stop a dangerous fast rhythm. Some devices combine both functions.
You receive sedation during the procedure, so you don’t feel the catheters. Most patients have little memory of the procedure and describe recovery discomfort as mild.
AFib ablation typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on complexity. Many patients go home the same day.
FHVI’s electrophysiology lab and procedures are based at our Davenport location. Ocala-area patients are seen at Davenport for EP-specific care, with general cardiology follow-up available closer to home.
FHVI accepts referrals from primary care physicians and cardiologists, and also sees patients directly for an initial rhythm consultation.
Yes. FHVI accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans. Call 352-619-2550 to verify your specific coverage.
A procedure that closes off the area of the heart where most AFib-related blood clots form, offering an alternative to lifelong blood thinners for eligible patients at risk of stroke.