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
Cardiologist in the UK
Dr Begley is a Cardiologist in the UK 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. This is known as palpitations....
Cardiac Rhythm Management
You are welcome to discuss CRM with Dr David Begley. CRM stands for Cardiac Rhythm Management. This is the investigation and treatment of heart rhythm abnormalities. These abnormalities are known as Arrhythmias. These most often cause an awareness of the heart beating...
What Causes Palpitations?
If you have noticed your heartbeats suddenly become more noticeable, this is known as palpitations. It is rarely dangerous but what causes palpitations? When your heartbeats are more evident it can be very distressing. However, this is not necessarily associated with...
Private Consultant Cardiologist in Cambridgeshire
Dr David Begley is a Private Consultant Cardiologist in Cambridgeshire who specialises in cardiac rhythm management. This is the investigation and treatment of heart rhythm abnormalities or arrhythmias. He has vast experience in the field so is perfectly positioned...
Diagnostic Electrophysiology Study
You may have been diagnosed with a heart rhythm abnormality due to various symptoms. A Cardiologist may undertake a Diagnostic Electrophysiology Study to establish the cause of those symptoms. Dr David Begley is a Consultant Cardiologist in the UK who specialises in...
Pacemakers – What you need to know
Dr Begley provides treatment for heart rhythm abnormalities. Options will range from management with medicines, catheter ablation or insertion of a cardiovascular implantable electronic device. These include pacemakers or cardioverter-defibrillators. As a Consultant...
Treatment for Heart Rhythm Problems
Heart Rhythm Problems can be worrying so understanding the condition can help establish an effective treatment plan. Appropriate management can be put in place to help ease the symptoms through the use of management, medication or surgery. What are Heart Rhythm...
Symptoms of Heart Rhythm Abnormalities
Palpitations, feeling dizzy, fainting or being short of breath may be symptoms of heart rhythm abnormalities. Understanding the causes and treatment can help understand such complex medical conditions. An arrhythmia is a medical term for an abnormal heart...
Dr Begley’s Testimonials
Whatever the field of work, feedback is important in order to continue to deliver exceptional service. The medical sector is no different and Dr Begley’s Testimonials are now featuring on the website. Comments from patients are also important for other people,...
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.