SPECIALIST UNIT
The Heart Rhythm Clinic
Specialising in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of heart rhythm disorders
Why choose The Heart Rhythm Clinic?
Some of the heart rhythm conditions we investigate and treat include; arrhythmias, strong or skipped heart beats, rapid palpitations, slow palpitations, fainting and dizzy spells, shortness of breath and fatigue, atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter (AFL), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT),Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome.
The team will consider the best treatment approach for you and we have the facilities and expertise to oversee your care, from diagnosis to treatment. Treatments offered include; medication, atrial afflation ablations, pacemakers and defibrillation.
The Heart Rhythm Clinic is part of HCA UK’s comprehensive cardiac network, offering care, treatment and expertise across a wide range of heart conditions.
Heart Rhythm Expertise
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Atrial fibrillation icon plus
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disturbance, affecting at least one per cent of the UK population. It increases in prevalence with age with at least 10 per cent of people more than 80 years old.
It is important for two main reasons:
1. AF directly causes a quarter of all strokes
2. AF can cause debilitating symptoms
In some patients, atrial fibrillation is a potentially reversible cause of heart failure. Early detection is therefore key to permit effective stroke prevention, to control symptoms associated with AF and to promote healthy heart function. Treatment for AF can be very successful if caught early with procedures such as ablation, cardioversion and medication.
Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure with the goal of eliminating the cause of AF in a given patient. In expert hands, catheter ablation is an effective treatment for patients with most forms of AF but is most effective for the elimination of paroxysmal (ie., episodic AF). Ablation therapy requires a team approach and your choice of specialist and team is key to achieving the best outcome for you.
To discuss atrial fibrillation with a team member at The Heart Rhythm Clinic, call 020 7636 6363. -
Fainting and loss of consciousness icon plus
Vasovagal syncope (fainting) is the most common cause of transient loss of consciousness. The condition is due to an exaggerated neurological reflex of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system which controls multiple organs including the heart and blood vessels. This reflex causes a slowing heart rate and a reduction in blood pressure. This combination causes a temporary reduction or cessation of blood flow to the brain thus causing near or complete loss of consciousness.
Vasovagal syncope is not dangerous but it is improtant to exclude rare and sinister causes which may require specialist treatment. Consultation with one of our specialists is particularly valuable if symptoms are frequent, debilitating, occur without warning, cause injury, if they manifest after the age of 40 or if associated within a family history.
Call The Heart Rhythm Clinic on 020 7636 6363 to learn more.
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Fast palpitations and supraventricular tachycardia icon plus
You may have noticed there are times when your heart beats much faster than you expect. There may be a number of possible reasons for this, but a common answer is when the heart rhythm itself is abnormal. Normally patients with heart rhythm disorders associated with fast palpitations complain of the problem starting and stopping abruptly. Symptoms experienced during this time can include dizziness, tightness in the throat, chest pain, feeling short of breath and, in rare instances, collapsing. Episodes of fast palpitations may last for seconds, minutes or hours. There are a number of specific causes of fast palpitations and you may have been told you have supraventricular tachycardia, also referred to as SVT, atrial fibrillation, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, atrial tachycardia or atrial flutter, or ventricular tachycardia.
If episodes of tachycardia occur repeatedly, an operation called catheter ablation is the recommended treatment option. This prevents further episodes of tachycardia by destroying the tiny parts of the heart causing problems in the heart's electrical system. This is a safe and highly effective treatment and means you no longer need to take medication.
To learn more about these symptoms or to make an appointment, please call The Heart Rhythm Clinic at 020 7636 6363. -
Slow palpitations and bradycardia icon plus
You may have noticed there are times when your heart beats much slower than you expect. If you take your pulse it will be less than 60 beats a minute. There may be a number of possible reasons for this, but a common problem is when the heart rhythm itself is abnormal. Normally patients with heart rhythm disorders associated with slow palpitations complain of tiredness, lack of energy, shortness of breath and dizziness.
Some patients may have collapsed or experienced a blackout. Your GP may have said you have a heart block or require a pacemaker. There are several types of pacemakers, and the most appropriate type will be chosen for you. Only the latest pacemakers are used from a number of different manufacturers to provide you with the most suitable device.
Call 020 7636 6363 to discuss options with The Heart Rhythm Clinic consultants.
Our specialist heart rhythm treatments
At HCA UK we have a comprehensive heart rhythm service, offering the latest and most innovative treatments
Cardiac Ablation
Ablation therapy can correct a range of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia), including atrial fibrillation
SVT Ablation
Supraventricular tachycardia is an abnormality of your heart's rhythm, where it may suddenly beat faster than normal
Syncope
Fainting, commonly known as syncope or "blacking out", is a momentary loss of consciousness, often followed by a fall
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT)
CRT is a pacemaker or defibrillator with three leads. It improves the pumping efficiency of your heart.
Implantable defibrillator
A defibrillator gives a high energy electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest
Pacemakers
A pacemaker or defibrillator can regulate your heartbeat if you have a condition that makes your heart beat too slow or too fast.
Our cardiac consultants
All consultants at The Heart Rhythm Clinic are research active, holding either honorary Senior Lecturer or Professor posts at major London Teaching Hospitals, and with responsibility for research supervision of MD, PhD and post-doctoral trainees in cardiology and electrophysiology. We have published over 300 peer-reviewed papers, reviews, editorials and book chapters in the field of arrhythmia medicine. We regularly contribute as faculty members to national and international conferences and are recognised opinion leaders in the field of intervention for atrial arrhythmia management.
Leading cardiovascular research
Advanced cardiac imaging
We are pioneers in the use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) to assess cardiac muscle shape, size, thickness and burden of scar tissue. This helps us understand and plan the safe treatment of rhythm disturbances affecting the atria and ventricles.
Cardiac electrical mapping
Together with our atrial afibrilation patients, we perform and study detailed electrical maps of the inner surface of the heart to help decide on the ablation strategy. This helps us give the best possible treatment to our patients, while minimising risk.
Computer Modelling of Cardiac Arrhythmia
Together with our collaborators in bioengineering, we have developed patient specific tools to model atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. This means we could perform a “virtual” treatment on a patient before ever subjecting them to an invasive procedure with risk.
Our clinic location
88 Harley Street
Marylebone
London W1G 7HR
We are based on world renowned Harley Street, W1. The nearest Underground stations are Regent’s Park (11 min walk), Baker Street (12 min walk) and Great Portland Street (13 min walk).
Contact the Heart Rhythm Clinic
Any questions about our clinic? Get in touch and we'll be happy to answer any questions or make an appointment with a cardiologist.