CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
ARRHYTHMIA CARE
Specialist support for your heart
- No.1 in the UK for private cardiac care
- 99% of our cardiac patients would recommend us to friends and family
- Choose from 150 arrhythmia specialists across the HCA UK network
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Arrhythmia care at HCA UK
Why choose us?
Heart arrhythmia symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness and fatigue can really affect your quality of life and we’re here to help. As the UK’s No.1 for private cardiac care, we look after more heart patients than any other UK private healthcare provider. Our multi-disciplinary teams cared for over 36,000 cardiac patients just like you in 2024 alone and we have fitted over 700 pacemakers in the last 3 years.
With access to state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostics for arrhythmia detection, and the latest technology for catheter ablation and device implantation, it’s easy to see why 99% of our patients would recommend us.
With access to state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostics for arrhythmia detection, and the latest technology for catheter ablation and device implantation, it’s easy to see why 99% of our patients would recommend us.
15diagnostic centres across the UK
2specialist cardiac hospitals in London and Birmingham
24hours to confirm an appointment with an arrhythmia specialist
Innovative treatments
See a specialist and get dedicated, expert care
State-of-the-art facilities
New techniques and technology
Rapid access
Get tests, scans and results fast
ARRHYTHMIA CARE
Expert care, personalised to you
Our expert teams of electrophysiology (EP) specialists and cardiologists care for a whole range of conditions characterised by an irregular heartbeat, known as an arrhythmia. We also offer a range of specialist treatments to help get your heart back to optimal health.
Conditions we treat include:
Atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm abnormality that affects over two million people in the UK and raises the risk of serious health complications, yet often goes undiagnosed.
Atrial flutter
An atrial flutter causes the heart to beat faster increasing heart pressure. HCA UK offers diagnosis, monitoring and treatment when needed.
Atrial tachycardia
Atrial tachycardia is a form of supraventricular tachycardiac (SVT), an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that causes a sudden, rapid heart beat.
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC)
A rare type of cardiomyopathy, when part of the muscle of the right ventricle is replaced by fat, which can lead to heart failure and heart rhythm disorders.
Bradycardia
Bradycardia is diagnosed when a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute is recorded. You may have a slow heart rate if you're very fit or relaxed, on certain medications or have an underactive thyroid. It can also signify a problem with your heart's electrical impulses and cause symptoms like fatigue or dizziness.
Cardiac arrhythmia
Arrhythmia is any disturbance of the normal electrical activity of your heart, causing an irregular or abnormally fast or slow heartbeat. They’re common and often highly treatable or manageable.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle that affect how effectively it can pump blood around your body.
Ectopic beat
CARDIAC ECTOPY
‘Ectopic’ means out of place and refers to an irregular heart beat that is usually harmless
Fainting
From complex cardiothoracic surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional cardiac care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
Heart block
From complex cardiothoracic surgery to tests and diagnostic procedures, we provide exceptional cardiac care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
SVT is a condition where the heart beats abnormally fast, typically above 100 beats per minute, and the rapid heartbeat originates in the upper chambers of the heart.
Sick sinus syndrome
From complex cardiothoracic surgery to tests and diagnostic procedures, we provide exceptional cardiac care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS)
Some heart conditions have few or no obvious symptoms and can go undiagnosed. If these lead to a fatal cardiac arrest and the cause of the cardiac arrest cannot be found, this is known as sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS).
Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
V-FIB
This condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate attention to restore your heart to its normal rhythm
Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
Ventricular tachycardia is an arrhythmia which causes your heart to pump abnormally fast and inefficiently.
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
A heart condition which can cause a rapid heart rate. WPW syndrome is a congenital heart condition which causes the heart to suddenly beat abnormally fast.
Arrhythmia treatments we offer
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy is a proven way to manage heart failure. Delivered by our leading cardiac specialists, this treatment helps your heart beat more efficiently and relieves day-to-day symptoms.
Cardiac catheter ablation
A cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). You may be referred for this treatment if abnormal heart rhythms are interfering with your quality of life.
ICD implantation and management
This surgical procedure embeds a device called an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) that monitors and treats life-threatening heart rhythms by delivering an electrical shock.
Lead extraction
This surgical procedure removes the wires (known as leads) from a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) if it malfunctions or an infection develops.
Leadless pacemakers
A leadless pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device implanted directly into the heart's right ventricle, eliminating the need for external leads or a chest incision.
Pacemakers and defibrillators
If you need a pacemaker or defibrillator to help regulate your heart’s rhythm, our leading cardiologists and specialist teams can rapidly diagnose and treat your condition in state-of-the-art cardiac facilities.
Pacemaker & defibrillator checks
Monitoring your implantable cardiac device. At HCA UK we offer routine follow-ups and services to make sure your pacemaker or defibrillator is working effectively.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
YOUR ARRHYTHMIA CARE JOURNEY
What to expect
From the moment you walk through our doors to the day you’re discharged, we’re dedicated to making your experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.
You’ll benefit from HCA UK’s state-of-the-art facilities, expert consultant-led care and specialist team of cardiac electrophysiologists who are experts in the rhythm of your heart and the electrical system that controls it.
Every patient journey is different, but here’s an idea of what to expect when you visit us.
01
Initial consultation
You may have a referral from a GP or you’re also welcome to self-refer. Either way, your consultant cardiologist will always start with a thorough physical assessment. They’ll discuss your symptoms and general health with you in detail too, including asking about your family’s heart history. You’ll have the chance to talk about what’s worrying you and ask any questions you have.
02
Tests and scans
Your consultant may book you in to have a range of initial tests and scans, some of which may happen on that same day. The tests and scans you have many vary, depending on your initial consultation.
03
Results and diagnosis
You’ll want to know the results of your tests as soon as possible, so we’ll have the cardiology investigations back with you within 48 hours. These will be reviewed by your consultant cardiologist in a follow-up consultation. They’ll be able to confirm a diagnosis, drawing on the results of your tests and scans.
They’ll also discuss your treatment options, which might be anything from ongoing monitoring to lifestyle changes, medication or surgery. They’ll discuss the risks and benefits with you, and you’ll have lots of time to ask questions, weight up your options and decide on the best course of action for you.
They’ll also discuss your treatment options, which might be anything from ongoing monitoring to lifestyle changes, medication or surgery. They’ll discuss the risks and benefits with you, and you’ll have lots of time to ask questions, weight up your options and decide on the best course of action for you.
04
Treatment
Your consultant will give you advice about any medication you may need and suggest any lifestyle adjustments around exercise and what you’re eating and drinking that may help.
If surgery is best way forward, you’ll either be recommended for an ablation or a pacemaker. You’ll be referred to the right surgical specialist within the extended HCA UK care network.
If surgery is best way forward, you’ll either be recommended for an ablation or a pacemaker. You’ll be referred to the right surgical specialist within the extended HCA UK care network.
05
Ongoing care
Whatever you need, from monitoring to further testing, surgery, rehabilitation or long-term care, our expert teams and state-of-the-art facilities are here for you.
Locations
We provide exceptional specialist care across our UK network of outpatient centres and hospitals. With 15 diagnostic centres across the country, it’s easy to find one that’s convenient to you.
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Arrhythmia care FAQ
Cardiac electrophysiology is a specialist area of cardiology that looks specifically at the rhythm of your heart. An electrophysiologist is an expert in the electrical system that controls your heart’s rhythm.
HCA UK has an experienced team of electrophysiologists working across our extended hospital network and dedicated cardiac diagnostic centres, focussed on delivering outstanding care for patients with irregular heart rhythms.
HCA UK has an experienced team of electrophysiologists working across our extended hospital network and dedicated cardiac diagnostic centres, focussed on delivering outstanding care for patients with irregular heart rhythms.
If there’s something wrong with the electrical signals that control your heart’s rhythm, your heart might beat with an irregular pattern or go too fast or too slow. That’s called a cardiac arrhythmia, and according to the British Heart Foundation, it affects more than one million people in the UK.
Many people with heart arrhythmias lead normal lives. However, some people need close monitoring and treatment. That could involve taking medication, making positive lifestyle changes or having a procedure.
Whatever your symptoms or condition, we're here to offer a comprehensive diagnosis and the right treatment for you. Everything we do is highly personalised and tailored.
Many people with heart arrhythmias lead normal lives. However, some people need close monitoring and treatment. That could involve taking medication, making positive lifestyle changes or having a procedure.
Whatever your symptoms or condition, we're here to offer a comprehensive diagnosis and the right treatment for you. Everything we do is highly personalised and tailored.
Cardiac arrhythmias can develop at any age and they’re often manageable with the right care. They’re created by changes in the electrical signals that control your heartbeat, which can be influenced by a variety of factors, including:
- Caffeine, nicotine, illegal drug use and other stimulants that increase your heartbeat
- Cardiomyopathy
- Certain medicines and supplements, including some used for colds and allergies
- Coronary artery disease
- Diabetes
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Heart problems such as heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Previous cardiac surgery
- Severe infection with COVID-19
- Sleep apnoea
- Underactive and overactive thyroid
Your heart arrhythmia symptoms will depend on the type of heart rhythm issues you’re experiencing and when you’re experiencing them, for example during sports and endurance training. If you have any of the symptoms below, it doesn't always mean you have an arrhythmia, however common symptoms can include:
If you have any concerns about your heart, it’s best to get it checked out. Please speak to one of our specialists.
- Anxiety
- Blackouts, fainting or feeling faint
- Chest pain
- Feeling dizzy or light-headed
- Palpitations such as a racing, fluttering, skipping or pounding heartbeat
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Tiredness or fatigue
If you have any concerns about your heart, it’s best to get it checked out. Please speak to one of our specialists.
The seriousness of arrhythmias varies greatly and thankfully many are harmless. However, some can be life-threatening if left untreated, increasing your risk of having a stroke, heart failure or sudden cardiac death.
In particular, ventricular arrhythmias that affect your heart's lower chambers are often very dangerous and can lead to cardiac arrest. If you have any symptoms or concerns whatsoever, it’s always best to get your heart checked by a specialist.
In particular, ventricular arrhythmias that affect your heart's lower chambers are often very dangerous and can lead to cardiac arrest. If you have any symptoms or concerns whatsoever, it’s always best to get your heart checked by a specialist.
At HCA UK, we continually invest in our facilities and technology. That’s why we currently have the most comprehensive private cardiac diagnostics network in the UK, with access to the latest tests and scans.
The cardiac arrhythmia tests we offer include:
In just three years, we have carried out more than 75,000 electrocardiograms and over 62,000 echocardiograms across our private healthcare network.
The cardiac arrhythmia tests we offer include:
In just three years, we have carried out more than 75,000 electrocardiograms and over 62,000 echocardiograms across our private healthcare network.
Our specialists can explain whether your arrhythmia is something you can manage with medicine, or whether you would benefit from surgical treatment such as an ablation, which is a procedure to correct irregular heart rhythms.
Our patient stories
Kirti's heart rhythm story
How a life-changing cardiac procedure stopped Kirti worrying about her heart health. Kirti first felt a heart palpitation back in 2016 whilst out shopping. After delaying seeking specialist advice, she sought the expertise of Dr Mike Koa-Wing, Consultant Cardiologist at The Wellington Hospital, in 2020 after the palpations got worse. Here Kirti shares her story.
Treating Helaina's heart rhythm disorder
Helaina from Northamptonshire was just 16 when she began experiencing unusual symptoms, including shortness of breath and heart palpitations, which rapidly worsened. She was otherwise fit, healthy and a huge lover of the great outdoors, leading to her family to grow concerned.
How a valve replacement helped Steve breathe easy again
When Steve found out his breathlessness was caused by a narrowed aortic valve, he was terrified of the thought of the open-heart surgery that might be needed to treat it. But with the expertise of Professor Sagar Doshi at The Harborne Hospital, he learned he could have a ‘keyhole’ alternative called TAVI.
“It was the best decision we ever made. Almost as soon as the anaesthetic from the surgery wore off, she was back to her usual happy self.”
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