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
Heart Rhythm Abnormalities: Exploring Symptoms
There are many symptoms you may associate with heart problems. Palpitations, feeling dizzy, fainting or being short of breath are sometimes symptoms of heart rhythm abnormalities. Understanding the causes, possible diagnoses and treatment can help managing the...
Cardiac Rhythm Management Cambridge
Patients with heart problems should be referred to a cardiologist. Dr David Begley is a consultant cardiologist specialising in cardiac rhythm management Cambridge patients can access. What is Cardiac Rhythm Management? Cardiac rhythm management usually involves using...
Pacemakers and ICDs
The right treatment for a cardiac problem will differ from patient to patient. Dr David Begley helps patients manage heart rhythm disorders with a number of different treatment options. We have discussed ablation treatment in depth, and here we’re going to look more...
Cardiac Ablation Treatment Cambridge
Cardiac ablation treatment helps to treat cardiac rhythm problems and may be the best solution for your heart condition. Dr Begley specialises in the cardiac ablation treatment Cambridge patients are looking for. Many patients attend his clinics to discuss the best...
Dr David Begley: Private Cardiologist UK
Seeking private medical care is understandable in the current climate. Patients with insurance or self-funding can access private healthcare and Dr David Begley is a private cardiologist UK patients can choose. Sometimes, specialist knowledge is needed to give people...
Tips to find a Private Cardiologist
Both patients with medical insurance and without look for private healthcare. Trying to find a private cardiologist doesn’t have to be difficult and specialists fully understand why you may look for private healthcare as opposed to waiting for an NHS appointment....
Find a Cardiologist in the UK
Most patients referred for cardiology will receive a referral from a local hospital once their GP completes the process. However, it is worth considering your options if you are looking to find a cardiologist in the UK. Maybe you want to consider private practice or...
Dr Begley involved in UK First Procedure at Royal Papworth Hospital
Dr David Begley and his colleagues at a catheterisation lab at Royal Papworth Hospital have carried out a brand new procedure for the first time. The first pulsed field ablation took place at Royal Papworth Hospital in June and the hospital shared the story on their...
Dr Begley and Hospital Team featured in the Hunts Post
Dr Begley and his colleagues at the Royal Papworth Hospital featured in a recent article focusing on their pioneering work in the Hunts Post. The local newspaper ran the story focused on the team performing a brand new procedure in the UK for the first time, read the...
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.