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.
Dr. David Begley
APPOINTMENTS
Please contact Dr David Begley’s Personal Assistant, Lynn Thomas on any of the following:
Phone: 01223 850 423
Email: lynn@drbegleycardiology.co.uk
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 became Clinical Director for cardiology in 2018.
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.
Guidance
Caffeine, alcohol, and your heart: When habits trigger heart palpitations
Most people enjoy a cup of coffee to start the day or a glass of wine to unwind. These are common parts of modern life. However, if you have ever felt your heart flutter, skip a beat, or race after drinking coffee or alcohol, you’ve experienced the direct link between...
Heart rhythm management: How modern technology stops you fainting and saves lives
You feel your heart skip, flutter, or suddenly pound out of your chest. Palpitations are alarming. Even more frightening is a sudden blackout or syncope (fainting) that seems to come out of nowhere. These symptoms are not just nuisances, and they can be your heart...
Heart Palpitations Symptoms and Treatments
Many people have experienced the uncomfortable sensation of a racing or fluttering heart. These feelings, known as heart palpitations, are often brief and harmless, but they can sometimes signal an underlying issue with the heart's rhythm. While a heart flutter or a...
What is Cardiac Rhythm Management?
The heart's rhythm is controlled by a natural electrical system. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to a heart that beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Cardiac rhythm management is a specialised field of cardiology that focuses on the diagnosis and...
Pacemakers and You: Dispelling Common Myths About Cardiac Devices
TheseA pacemaker is a small, life-saving device that helps regulate a person's heartbeat. Despite being a common and effective treatment for certain heart conditions, misconceptions about living with one still exist. Understanding the reality of these cardiac devices...
Understanding Arrhythmias: What Are They and When Should You See a Specialist?
The heart is a fascinating organ, with a natural electrical system that orchestrates its rhythm. When this system malfunctions, it can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. These abnormal heart rhythms are known as arrhythmias. Understanding...
Royal Papworth Heart Surgeon
Royal Papworth Hospital is a renowned beacon of excellence in cardiac and respiratory care. It isits pioneering work and specialist treatments. Within this institution, Consultant Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr David Begley is a highly experienced option for patients...
Chest Pain? When to See a Cardiologist and What to Expect
Chest pain can be an incredibly alarming symptom, often immediately raising concerns about your heart. While not all chest pain signifies a serious cardiac issue, it's a symptom that should never be ignored. Understanding when your pain warrants immediate medical...
Beyond the Blood Pressure Cuff: Understanding Your Risk for Heart Disease
When you consider your heart health, your blood pressure reading often comes to mind first. While vital, this provides only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Truly understanding your risk for heart disease means looking much deeper at a range of factors that...
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.
Dr David Begley
Papworth Everard
Cambridge
CB23 3RE
Dr David Begley
4 Trumpington Road
Cambridge
CB2 8AF







