Cardiac Conditions

A clear, expert guide to the conditions Dr Creta assesses and treats

Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

The most common sustained arrhythmia, characterised by a rapid and irregular heart rhythm originating in the atria.

Symptoms

Palpitations, breathlessness, fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance — sometimes silent.

Diagnosis

ECG, ambulatory monitoring, echocardiogram, blood tests.

Treatment options

Rate or rhythm control medication, anticoagulation to reduce stroke risk, electrical cardioversion, catheter ablation.

FAQs

Is AF dangerous?

AF significantly increases stroke risk, but this risk is markedly reduced with appropriate anticoagulation.

Will I need an ablation?

Ablation is highly effective for symptomatic AF, particularly paroxysmal AF, and is recommended where medication fails or as a first-line option.

Atrial Flutter

An organised but rapid atrial rhythm — often presenting alongside AF.

Symptoms

Palpitations, breathlessness, chest discomfort.

Diagnosis

ECG typically diagnostic; ambulatory monitoring may be needed.

Treatment options

Anticoagulation, rate control and catheter ablation, which has very high success rates.

FAQs

Can flutter be cured?

Typical atrial flutter has a >95% cure rate with catheter ablation.

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Fast heart rhythm originating from above the ventricles — often in younger patients.

Symptoms

Sudden-onset, sudden-offset palpitations, dizziness, breathlessness.

Diagnosis

ECG during episode, ambulatory monitoring, electrophysiology study.

Treatment options

Vagal manoeuvres, medication, or catheter ablation which is curative in the vast majority.

FAQs

Is SVT curable?

Catheter ablation has a very high success rate, often >95%, and is considered definitive treatment.

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

Fast rhythm arising from the ventricles — may be sustained or non-sustained.

Symptoms

Palpitations, dizziness, syncope, cardiac arrest.

Diagnosis

ECG, cardiac MRI, electrophysiology study.

Treatment options

Medication, catheter ablation, implantable defibrillator (ICD) when indicated.

FAQs

Do I need an ICD?

An ICD may be recommended depending on the cause, ejection fraction and risk assessment.

Premature (Ectopic) Beats

Extra beats from the atria or ventricles. Common and usually benign.

Symptoms

Skipped beats, fluttering, brief palpitations.

Diagnosis

ECG, 24-hour or longer ambulatory monitoring, echocardiogram.

Treatment options

Reassurance, lifestyle measures, medication or ablation when very frequent or symptomatic.

FAQs

Are ectopics dangerous?

In structurally normal hearts ectopics are generally benign, though very frequent ectopy warrants assessment.

Bradycardia

A slow heart rate that may cause symptoms and sometimes requires a pacemaker.

Symptoms

Fatigue, dizziness, breathlessness, syncope.

Diagnosis

ECG, ambulatory monitoring, exercise testing.

Treatment options

Medication review, pacemaker implantation when symptomatic.

FAQs

Will a pacemaker change my lifestyle?

Most patients return to a normal lifestyle quickly. Modern devices are small and reliable.

Heart Block

Disrupted electrical conduction between atria and ventricles.

Symptoms

May be asymptomatic, or cause fatigue, dizziness, syncope.

Diagnosis

ECG and ambulatory monitoring.

Treatment options

Pacemaker implantation for symptomatic or high-grade block.

FAQs

What is conduction system pacing?

A modern, more physiological pacing approach that preserves natural heart function.

Syncope

Brief loss of consciousness with spontaneous recovery — always deserves cardiac assessment.

Symptoms

Transient loss of consciousness with or without warning.

Diagnosis

ECG, echocardiogram, tilt table, implantable loop recorder.

Treatment options

Lifestyle measures, medication review, pacemaker when bradycardia is identified.

FAQs

Could my fainting be serious?

Most syncope is benign — but cardiac syncope must be excluded, particularly in older patients or with exertional symptoms.

Inherited Arrhythmia Syndromes

Conditions such as Long QT, Brugada or catecholaminergic polymorphic VT (CPVT).

Symptoms

Palpitations, syncope, family history of sudden cardiac death.

Diagnosis

Specialist ECG analysis, genetic testing, family screening.

Treatment options

Lifestyle advice, medication, ICD where indicated, family screening.

FAQs

Should my family be tested?

First-degree relatives should usually be screened — Dr Creta will guide this process.

Book a private consultation with Dr Creta

In person at Welbeck Heart Health Centre, BUPA Canary Wharf and Cromwell Hospital — or remotely via secure video.