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 the internationally renowned Papworth Hospital in 2007 to expand the existing cardiac rhythm management team and 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 and have personally carried out thousands of these procedures.
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.
Mr LewingtonMemberships
Guidance
Choosing your Cardiologist in Cambridge
We live in a world where informed choice is key to all we do. This applies to our medical care too and whilst a referral for specialist treatment, such as cardiology, can be worrying, it is a chance to decide who we want to be involved in our care. Choosing a...
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Understanding Heart Rhythm Abnormalities
The normal function of the heart is something most people take for granted, while others live with heart rhythm abnormalities with no other symptoms. However, heart rhythm conditions and abnormalities can cause concern, so it is important to understand the risks....
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Heart Disease and Disorders
There are many different kinds of heart condition which require specialist treatment. Millions of people live with abnormal heart beats, although in most instances they are harmless. However, some abnormality in the heart’s rhythm can be dangerous and even fatal....
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What is Arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia is the medical term of an abnormal heart rhythm. It means the heart is beating too fast, too slow or beating in an irregular or abnormal pattern. Many people living with arrhythmia look for treatment to cure the condition and there are different options...
read more
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
The electrical system within the heart is complex and sometimes, it can become chaotic due to the extra or faulty electrical connections, or pathways. Heart rhythm disorders are caused by this and atrial fibrillation ablation, or catheter ablation, is a common and...
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Cardiac Rhythm Management Specialist
Cardiac rhythm conditions can be extremely worrying without the right treatment. Many conditions can be treated and even cured, but this involves the support and treatment from a cardiac rhythm management specialist. Dr Begley is an experienced cardiac rhythm...
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What to Expect when Having a Pacemaker Operation
A pacemaker operation is a common procedure for a cardiologist to carry out, but it is still understandably daunting as a patient. All patients will have a preoperative assessment and be checked for surgery. Any questions and concerns can be discussed during this...
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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,...
read more
What to Expect when Having an Ablation
Catheter ablation is a common procedure which Dr Begley carries out regularly and with a qualified and experienced team. Preparing for the procedure needn’t be a worry and here we’re looking at the process, how to prepare and what will happen during the ablation....
read more
Understanding Cardiovascular Syncope
Cardiovascular syncope or syncope of any kind can be very worrying. Syncope is simply the technical term for fainting, sudden loss of consciousness and when it’s related to your heart’s rhythm it is cardiovascular syncope. Cardiovascular syncope often occurs because...
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Managing Heart Conditions with Implantable Electronic Devices
Implantable electronic devices are a common form of treatment for heart rate and rhythm problems. These problems, known as arrhythmia, are usually the result of issues with the heart’s electrical system. Dependent on the type of arrhythmia implantable electronic...
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DR DAVID BEGLEY’S PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE I was appointed a consultant in Cardiology at the internationally renowned Papworth Hospital in 2007 to expand the existing cardiac rhythm management team and elected Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 2009 (FRCP). I was Clinical Lead...
read more
Arrhythmia Consultant Cambridge
Arrhythmia is another term for an abnormal heartbeat. Arrhythmia can affect many people, although, for a significant proportion, they can continue to live a healthy life. If you suspect you have an arrhythmia, or you have noticed a problem with the rhythm of your...
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Palpitations Consultant Cambridge
Heart palpitations are a common symptom. For most people, the feeling of a fluttering or pounding heart lasts for only a few minutes. While the sensation can be worrying and give you cause for concern, it is usually harmless. Heart palpitations can happen to anyone...
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Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
Atrial fibrillation treatment helps a condition that causes the heart rate to become irregular. Ordinarily, atrial fibrillation will lead to a fast heart rate. Patients can measure their heart rate to check for atrial fibrillation. While an average resting heart rate...
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Dr David Begley
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...
read more
Treatments for cardiac rhythm disorders
A THOROUGH ASSESSMENT IS NEEDED TO ESTABLISH THE CAUSE OF YOUR HEART RHYTHM PROBLEM AND ALLOW FOR AN APPROPRIATE MANAGEMENT PLAN. How you describe your symptoms will often help narrow down the possibilities. However, correlation of your symptoms with an...
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Dr David Begley – Cardiac Rhythm Management
ABOUT DR DAVID BEGLEY I graduated from Edinburgh Medical School in 1994 (MB ChB) and completed my residency in South East Scotland where I developed an interest in cardiology. Following this I spent 3 years at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland...
read moreIf 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.