Cardiac Rhythm Management
Cardiac rhythm management is the investigation and treatment of heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias).
Arrhythmias most often cause an awareness of the heart beating (palpitations) but patients with arrhythmias may also have symptoms of fatigue, breathlessness, light-headedness or black-outs (syncope). I aim to quickly identify the cause of these worrying symptoms and provide reassurance or offer appropriate guided treatment.
Dr David Begley
I graduated from Edinburgh Medical School in 1994 (MB ChB). Following completion of my residency in South East Scotland I spent 3 years at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland where I undertook research in the investigation and management of patients with the heart muscle condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, culminating in the completion of a research degree (MD) through the University of Edinburgh.
I returned to the UK in 2002 to complete specialist training in cardiology and cardiac rhythm management at the internationally respected Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.
Professional Experience
I was appointed a consultant in Cardiology at Papworth Hospital in 2007 to expand the existing cardiac rhythm management team.
Papworth Hospital was granted Royal Patronage in 2017 and was officially renamed Royal Papworth Hospital in 2018. I was elected Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 2009 (FRCP).
I was Clinical Lead for CRM from 2011 until 2016 during a period of rapid growth, maintaining the department’s position as one of the highest volume centres in the country for both electrophysiology studies and complex ablations, and cardiac device implants.
I was Clinical Director for cardiology from 2018 to 2025.
THE QUEEN OPENS ROYAL PAPWORTH HOSPITAL
Her Majesty The Queen officially opened the Royal Papworth Hospital on Tuesday 7th July 2019. Clinical Director for Cardiology, Dr. David Begley met with the Queen during her visit meeting patients and staff of the hospital.
Conditions and Treatments
- Palpitations
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue
- Light-headedness
- Blackouts/Syncope (read more)
- Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
- Atrial flutter and fibrillation (AF)
- Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
- Heart block and sinus node disease (SND) (read more)
Assessment starts with a simple electrocardiogram (ECG). Other tests include:
- Ambulatory ECG monitoring
- Echocardiogram
- Diagnostic electrophysiology study (read more)
- Management with medicines
- Cardiac device implantation
- Catheter ablation (read more)
Testimonials
Suffering from Ventricular Tachycardia, I was looking for a better solution than just palliative drug care. After research on the web, I met Consultant Cardiologist Dr David Begley and that meeting totally changed my life for the better.
Following investigation, Dr Begley informed me that I was suitable for ablation, a process which other, less specialist, doctors had declined before because mine was “a difficult case”.
From the outset, Dr Begley was careful to explain all aspects of my condition. He impressed me with his professional but relaxed and friendly manner and I felt free to ask as many questions as I wanted. After our first meeting, I came away feeling very positive.
My ablation proved to be very successful. Dr Begley gave me back my life. Before treatment, I was in fear of VT attacks and I had many. Following treatment, I am able to work and live in a way that was impossible earlier. It is difficult to adequately describe how grateful I am.
I would recommend anybody in a similar situation to follow my path as soon as possible.
Memberships
Guidance
Ventricular Tachycardia Treatment
Ventricular tachycardia, or VT, is a type of abnormal heartbeat in which your heart beats too fast. Accessing Ventricular Tachycardia treatment quickly is important so the best possible outcome is achieved. The type of treatment you have will depend on how serious...
Electrocardiogram in Cambridgeshire
An ECG or Electrocardiogram in Cambridgeshire is a recording that is essential for an accurate diagnosis of a heart condition. A thorough assessment is needed to establish the cause of your heart rhythm problem. This will enable an appropriate management plan. A...
Ambulatory ECG monitoring
Heart rhythm abnormalities require thorough monitoring and investigation prior to diagnosis. Continuous or intermittent ambulatory ECG monitoring can help capture symptoms that are intermittent. Heart Rhythm Abnormalities A detailed assessment will be undertaken so...
Cardiologist Located in Cambridgeshire
Dr Begley is a Cardiologist located in Cambridgeshire who specialises in cardiac rhythm management. This is the investigation and treatment of heart rhythm abnormalities or arrhythmias. Arrhythmias most often cause an awareness of the heart beating (palpitations) but...
What are Palpitations?
Heart palpitations are heartbeats that suddenly become more noticeable. Although this is frequently distressing it is rarely dangerous and is not necessarily associated with a heart rhythm abnormality. But what are palpitations and why do people have them? Heart...
Consultant Cardiologist in Cambridge
Dr David Begley is a Consultant Cardiologist in Cambridge who specialises in cardiac rhythm management. This is the investigation and treatment of heart rhythm abnormalities or arrhythmias. Arrhythmias most often cause an awareness of the heart beating...
Blackouts – A Patient Guide
Transient loss of consciousness can be very alarming. Blackouts can be due to both cardiac and neurological causes so seeking advice from your GP is important. They may refer you to a cardiologist who can help understand the cause so you can access treatment. Prompt...
Premature Ventricular Contractions?
Patients with heart rhythm disturbances often present with palpitations. Conditions associated with palpitations include premature ventricular contractions. They are also known as PVCs or ectopics. Heart rhythm disturbances are when the heart is beating too fast...
What are Heart Rhythm Abnormalities?
Palpitations, feeling dizzy, fainting or being short of breath may be symptoms of heart rhythm problems. You may need questions such as ‘what are heart rhythm abnormalities?’ and ‘what are the symptoms?’. This guide will answer some of those questions. What are...
If you have experienced symptoms you might think are related to heart rhythm disturbance or have been diagnosed with an arrhythmia please discuss with your general practitioner whether referral is appropriate.