A consultant cardiac electrophysiologist is a specialist in understanding and management the heart’s electrical activities. You may be referred to cardiology for a number of reasons and if you are experiencing issues with your heartbeat and rhythm, you may need the expertise of a cardiac electrophysiologist. Dr David Begley is an experienced specialist in this field, helping patients with a wide range of heart conditions.
Cardiac Electrophysiology
Cardiac electrophysiology encompasses the science of diagnosing and treating the electrical activities of the heart.
The term ‘cardiac electrophysiology’ describes the study of electrical heart activities. In addition to clinical applications, this medical practice area involves research to attempt to improve outcomes of patients living with heart rhythm abnormalities.
Symptoms of Heart Rhythm Abnormalities
Patients with heart rhythm disturbances can exhibit a wide range of symptoms associated with the heart beating too fast, known as tachycardia, or too slow known as bradycardia.
Occasionally, your specialist my detect abnormalities even if you are asymptomatic. If you have an appointment scheduled with cardiology, you will be examined and find out more about what could be causing your symptoms.
Palpitations
Palpitations, or an awareness of the heart beating, are the most common symptom of heart rhythm abnormalities.
While often distressing, palpitations are rarely dangerous and not necessarily linked to a heart rhythm abnormality. People can panic and worry due to the palpitations but in most cases, things will return to normal.
Sometimes these sensations are accompanied by breathlessness, fatigue, chest discomfort, light-headedness, and even blackouts. Experiencing any of these symptoms if of course a cause for concern and you should seek medical advice.
Conditions associated with palpitations include:
- Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs or ectopics)
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
- Atrial flutter or fibrillation (AF)
- Atrial tachycardia
- Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
Your Consultant Cardiac Electrophysiologist
Dr David Begley practices at the Royal Papworth Hospital, the Nuffield Cambridge Hospital, and the BMI Sandringham Hospital.
Patients attend his clinics with a wide range of cardiac symptoms and heart rhythm abnormalities. He helps patients experiencing all of the above conditions and can help with the diagnostic process too, if a patient is not yet sure what condition they may have.
Understanding the heart’s electrical signals helps him ensure the right treatment plan is chosen for each patients.
Appointments with Dr Begley
Patients can book an initial appointment at any of Dr Begley’s clinics via the website. You can contact his team directly and they’ll arrange a slot to suit your needs.