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
Ablation Surgery in UK
If you have an abnormal heart rhythm, then you might be a candidate for ablation. Ablation surgery in UK is still an emerging technique. It is, however, highly effective. For 90% of patients, it is successful at preventing symptoms of arrhythmia. What Is It? Ablation...
Ambulatory ECG Monitoring Cambridge – What You Need To Know
If your doctor suspects that you have a heart rhythm disorder, that comes and goes, they may recommend that you undergo ambulatory ECG monitoring Cambridge. Cambridge and King’s Lynn residents can get this test carried out under the care of Dr David Begley. If you...
What’s An Echocardiogram And When Might You Need One?
If your doctor is concerned that there might be an issue with your heart, they might suggest that you should get an echocardiogram. If you need an echocardiogram in Cambridge or King’s Lynn, you will most likely have it done at Royal Papworth Hospital. It is a simple...
Pacemaker Treatment Explained
Heart rhythm abnormalities, or arrhythmias, can be challenging to live with. Not only do they cause an awareness of the heart beating, but they can also cause breathlessness, fatigue, blackouts and light-headedness. Heart rhythm abnormalities can be life-threatening,...
What Are Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD) And Do I Need One?
Living with heart problems is a struggle every day, but there are devices that can help. Most people have heard of pacemakers because they are relatively commonplace. However, Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD) are sometimes less understood. If you suffer...
What Is A Pacemaker?
For some heart rhythm conditions, a pacemaker is an excellent solution. In fact, pacemaker implantations are among the most common types of surgery carried out in the UK for heart issues. If you have cardiac rhythm issues, then your doctor may have mentioned a...
Do You Have Shortness Of Breath Symptoms?
Shortness of breath symptoms can have a lot of causes. Sometimes the reason is a mild infection like a cold. Other times shortness of breath can be a sign of a much more severe condition. What Do Shortness of Breath Symptoms Mean? Shortness of breath describes the...
Do You Need To See A Cardiologist At Royal Papworth Hospital?
The 7.4 million people who suffer from heart disease in the UK know how important it is to get the right care. Are you one of them? If you live in Cambridge and need to see a cardiologist at Royal Papworth Hospital, then here is everything you need to know. Who Needs...
Heart Arrhythmia
Every year, more than 2 million people experience heart rhythm problems in the UK. By getting heart arrhythmia treatment, most of these people can lead a normal and healthy life. What is Arrhythmia? There are several different forms of arrhythmia. What they all have...
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.