One of the most unsettling things that can happen in life is being told there is something wrong with your heart. It is natural to be concerned, but thankfully with what we have learned about the heart over decades, and with advances in medication and technology, there are many things we can do to correct the issues and provide the patient with confidence and support to live a healthy life. These methods fall under the term of cardiac rhythm management, so let’s have a look at what this can entail.
What is Cardiac Rhythm Management?
As soon as a patient presents to the clinic with any abnormalities of the heart rhythm, Dr David Begley will begin cardiac rhythm management. The process is made up of two parts, firstly a thorough investigation to establish what is happening and why, and then the treatment plan which can be medication, the implantation of a cardiac device or a catheter ablation.
What Symptoms Suggest a Cardiac Rhythm Problem?
Symptoms that can lead a person to have their cardiac function explored in more details are things like palpitations and breathlessness, unexplained fatigue and light-headedness, and in some cases fainting. Of course, these symptoms are not always heart-related other conditions can cause similar symptoms, which is why we have an in-depth assessment process. Many conditions can create abnormal heart rhythms so which is why we need to understand what is happening so we can determine the reason, and therefore move towards the correct management technique. If the issue is proven to be a result of heart rhythm problems is can be any one of several conditions: Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), Atrial flutter and fibrillation (AF), Ventricular tachycardia (VT) or Heart block and sinus node disease (SND).
So How Do You Test?
There are three tests we begin with, firstly an echocardiogram which is something most people have heard of. Using an ultrasound, the same technology that allows us to look at babies in the womb, Dr David Begley can see the heart on the screen. Secondly, we use an ambulatory ECG, which is when we ask a patient to wear a portable ECG machine that records the heart beating, and how it performs. Generally, this means wearing the monitors which are attached to the skin, for 24-48 hours and going about your life as usual. Finally can request a diagnostic electrophysiology study which is a small medical procedure to look at the heart rhythm from within the body.
Then What?
So, as you can see the testing and investigation form a significant part of cardiac rhythm management. It is vital that Dr David Begley can understand what is happening and why, as this makes it much easier to select the treatment that will work, rather than subjecting a patient to a range of hit and miss attempts. Once we know they why, we know the what. This could be a pacemaker, medication or a surgical procedure, but all potential treatments would be discussed at length and explained in detail to allay any fears the patient might have.
Making An Appointment
If you want to make an appointment with Dr Begley to discuss Cardiac Rhythm Management, you should phone or email his secretary directly. Dr Begley’s private secretary Ruth Littlechild can be contacted on 01223 850 423 or via ruth@drbegleycardiology.co.uk.