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Find a Specialist: Designations

Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society (FHRS)

The FHRS designation distinguishes qualified Heart Rhythm Society members among health care providers for their specialization in electrophysiology, clarifies the referral process and serves as a credential of quality care for patients, media and government. FHRS members are characterized by advanced training, certification and/or prominence in research.

To receive this designation, Society members must apply for FHRS status and be approved by the Society. Many FHRS members in the U.S. are certified in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. You can view a physician's certifications in the search results by clicking 'More Information' under his or her address listing.

Patients: Learn more about what the FHRS designation means for you
Health Care Providers: Find out how to become a FHRS

IBHRE Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS)

Physicians earning the CCDS have demonstrated a mastery of competency, knowledge and skills in cardiac pacing. They typically specialize in device therapy and implant pacemakers and ICDs.

The CCDS credential is earned by health care professionals who have successfully completed the Certification Examination for Competency in Cardiac Rhythm Device Therapy, and have met the certification requirements outlined by the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE). IBHRE exams are designed to evaluate the extent of a health care professional’s knowledge and clinical judgment in areas where an arrhythmia specialist should demonstrate a high level of competency.

IBHRE Certified Electrophysiology Specialist (CEPS)

Physicians earning the CEPS certification have demonstrated a mastery of competency, knowledge and skills in cardiac electrophysiology. They typically specialize in cardiac arrhythmias, ablation and electrophysiological studies.

The CEPS credential is earned by health care professionals who have successfully completed the Certification Examination for Competency in Cardiac Electrophysiology, and have met the certification requirements outlined by the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE). IBHRE exams are designed to evaluate the extent of a health care professional’s knowledge and clinical judgment in areas where an arrhythmia specialist should demonstrate a high level of competency.

Keep Exploring

Heart Rhythm Disorders
Millions of people experience irregular or abnormal heartbeats, called arrhythmias, at some point in their lives. Most of the time, they are harmless and happen in healthy people free of heart disease. However, some abnormal heart rhythms can be serious or even deadly. Having other types of heart disease can also increase the risk of arrhythmias.
Pediatrics and Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)
This section is for pediatric patients and families living with heart rhythm disorders and heart rhythm disorders related to congenital heart disease (CHD).
Early Warning Signs
If you are experiencing a racing, pounding, rumbling or flopping feeling in your chest or if you have been fainting, having repeated dizzy spells, feeling lightheaded or you are extremely fatigued, it's time to see a doctor to discuss your heart health.
Common Treatments
Learning about the underlying cause of any heart rhythm disorder provides the basis for selecting the best treatment plan. Information and knowledge about care options, and their risks and benefits help you work with your health care provider to make the best choices.
Lifestyle
Since other heart disorders increase the risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms, lifestyle changes often are recommended. Living a “heart healthy” lifestyle can ease the symptoms experienced with heart rhythm disorders and other heart disorders, and can be beneficial to overall patient health.
The Normal Heart
The heart is a fist-sized muscle that pumps blood through the body 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without rest. The normal heart is made up of four parts: two atria on the top of the heart (right atrium and left atrium), and two ventricles (right ventricle and left ventricle) which are the muscular chambers on the bottom of the heart that provide the major power to pump blood.