Once you have been diagnosed with a heart rhythm abnormality, further tests are often necessary to determine the best course of treatment. Dr David Begley is a consultant cardiologist who specialises in cardiac rhythm management and can arrange the diagnostic electrophysiology studies that patients need to fully understand their heart condition. This is essential for ensuring that you receive the best possible treatment. Dr Begley can arrange the diagnostic electrophysiology Cambridgeshire patients need to get the right treatment plan.
Assessments and Examinations for Cardiac Rhythm Problems
Dr Begley will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of your heart rhythm problem and develop the best possible management plan. Information about your symptoms will often help to narrow down the possibilities. However, you will also need to have your symptoms confirmed with an electrocardiogram (ECG) recording for an accurate diagnosis. Some patients have already had an ECG, and if this is the case, you can take your results with you to your appointment with Dr Begley.
A resting ECG often provides clues to the diagnosis, even when recorded you are experiencing no obvious symptoms. Patients with a normal resting ECG are unlikely to have a dangerous rhythm abnormality. Continuous or intermittent ambulatory ECG monitoring can help capture symptoms that are intermittent. If that is unsuccessful, insertion of a loop recorder under the skin can catch symptoms that only occur occasionally. If symptom-rhythm correlation remains elusive, a diagnostic electrophysiology study may be necessary.
Diagnostic Electrophysiology Cambridgeshire
A diagnostic electrophysiology study is performed in a catheterisation lab by a specialised doctor called an electrophysiologist. The test can take 2-3 hours or longer, and you should have the examination on an empty stomach.
During the procedure, thin plastic tubes called catheters will be inserted into a vein and guided up to the heart. It is common to feel lightheaded or experience palpitations during the test. However, it can be extremely helpful for diagnosing cardiac rhythm problems and providing your cardiologist with the information they need to plan the right treatment plan for you.
Diagnostic electrophysiology is a method for stimulating abnormal heart rhythms to allow for a proper diagnosis. It can show which areas of your heart are affected and need to be the focus of treatment.
Appointments for Diagnostic Electrophysiology Cambridgeshire
Dr David Begley is a consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist with many years of experience. Anyone with concerns about their heart or the way it beats should see a medical professional as soon as possible. You can arrange an appointment with Dr Begley via this website.