Have you ever felt your heart suddenly skip a beat, flutter briefly or produce a heavy thump in your chest? If so, you've probably wondered whether something is wrong with your heart. In many cases, these sensations are caused by ectopic beats one of the most common causes of palpitations seen by cardiologists. The reassuring news is that ectopic beats are extremely common and, in the vast majority of people, completely harmless. According to Professor Malcolm Finlay, consult

If you've been living with atrial fibrillation (AFib), you may have asked yourself: "Should I keep having cardioversions, or is it time to consider catheter ablation?" It's one of the most common questions Professor Malcolm Finlay hears in clinic. The answer has changed dramatically over the past two decades. Thanks to major advances in technology, catheter ablation has become safer, quicker and more effective than ever before, meaning many patients are now offered ablation m

When we think about medical research, we often imagine hospitals collecting clinical data, measuring outcomes and publishing scientific studies. While that research is incredibly important, it doesn't always tell us what it's actually like to live with atrial fibrillation (AFib). According to Professor Malcolm Finlay, consultant cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist, some of the most important questions patients ask every day still aren't routinely answered by traditio

One question patients frequently ask is: "Can my thyroid cause atrial fibrillation?" The simple answer is yes. Both an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and, less commonly, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can contribute to atrial fibrillation (AFib). Understanding the connection between your thyroid gland and your heart is important because treating thyroid disease is often a key part of successfully managing atrial fibrillation. According to Professor Malcolm Finl

One of the most common concerns patients have after an AF ablation is: "Why has my atrial fibrillation come back?" If you've experienced a recurrence of AF after catheter ablation, it doesn't necessarily mean the procedure has failed. In fact, some patients will require a second procedure, while others may only experience occasional episodes that are far less severe than before. According to Professor Malcolm Finlay, consultant cardiologist and heart rhythm specialist, unders

Being told you have a Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB) after an ECG can sound alarming. Many patients immediately wonder: Is Right Bundle Branch Block dangerous? Does it mean I have heart disease? Will I need treatment? Can I continue exercising? The reassuring news is that in the vast majority of cases, Right Bundle Branch Block is a benign ECG finding and does not affect life expectancy or quality of life. However, it is important to understand what it means and when furthe

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common heart rhythm problems seen by a consultant cardiologist. Many patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation are told about catheter ablation as a treatment option. However, AF ablation is only one part of a much broader strategy for managing atrial fibrillation safely and effectively. According to Professor Malcolm Finlay, consultant cardiologist and heart rhythm specialist, understanding the goals of AF treatment is essential

When people hear the word “pacemaker,” it can sound intimidating or even frightening. However, modern pacemakers are highly advanced, reliable medical devices that help thousands of patients return to a normal, active life every year. According to Professor Malcolm Finlay, consultant cardiologist and heart rhythm specialist, most patients who need a pacemaker do exceptionally well after implantation. Pacemakers are now considered a mature and extremely safe technology used to

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common heart rhythm disorders treated by a consultant cardiologist. Many patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation ask the same question: “Am I too old to have an AF ablation?” The simple answer is no — there is no strict age limit for catheter ablation. According to Professor Malcolm Finlay, treatment decisions should not be based purely on someone’s age, but on their overall health, symptoms, quality of life, and potential benef

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Atrial fibrillation (AF) can be a worrying diagnosis, but in most cases, it does not require an emergency hospital visit. Once the key...

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The value of giving a second opinion in healthcare.

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