Ectopic beats and heart palpitations are sometimes signs of an irregular heartbeat that can feel like a fluttering, pounding, or skipped beat in the chest. Ectopic beats occur when the heart produces extra or early beats outside its normal rhythm. These premature contractions are often harmless but may cause noticeable sensations in your chest. Triggers can include stress, caffeine, fatigue, or underlying heart conditions. If you frequently experience ectopic heartbeats or palpitations, book an appointment with London Heart Group to rule out serious arrhythmias or other heart problems. Early evaluation can help ensure your heart health is protected.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of irregular heartbeat, where the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat rapidly and out of sync with the lower chambers. This can lead to symptoms like heart palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, and an increased risk of stroke. AF may be occasional or persistent, and while not life-threatening, it requires medical evaluation and management. Early diagnosis and treatment by a cardiologist can significantly reduce complications and improve quality of life.

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a fast, abnormal heart rhythm that originates in the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). This potentially serious arrhythmia can cause dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or even sudden cardiac arrest if left untreated. VT often occurs in people with underlying heart disease, such as prior heart attacks or cardiomyopathy, but it can also affect those without known heart conditions. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by a cardiologist are critical to managing VT and preventing life-threatening complications.

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a rapid heart rhythm that originates above the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles), often causing the heart to beat suddenly and abnormally fast. Common symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort. SVT can occur in healthy hearts but may also be linked to underlying conditions. While it’s usually not life-threatening, repeated or prolonged episodes should be evaluated by a cardiologist. Management may include lifestyle changes, medication or an ablation for some patients.

Pacemaker insertion is a common and effective procedure used to treat slow or irregular heart rhythms. A pacemaker is a small device implanted under the skin, typically near the collarbone, that helps regulate the heartbeat by sending electrical impulses to the heart. It can significantly improve symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and fainting caused by abnormal rhythms. The procedure is minimally invasive and usually performed under local anesthesia. If you're experiencing symptoms of a slow heartbeat, a consultation with a cardiologist can determine whether a pacemaker is the right solution for you.

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a life-saving device used to prevent sudden cardiac arrest in patients at risk of dangerous heart rhythms, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. ICDs are commonly recommended for patients with a history of serious arrhythmias or weakened heart function.

Cardiac catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and ventricular tachycardia. During the procedure, a thin catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the heart, where targeted energy is used to destroy small areas of heart tissue causing the irregular rhythm. Ablation can significantly reduce or eliminate arrhythmia symptoms and may reduce the need for long-term medication. If you suffer from frequent or disruptive heart rhythm problems, your cardiologist may recommend catheter ablation as an effective treatment option.