We are pleased to announce the opening of a new Electrophysiology (Heart Rhythm) Service within the Cardiology Department at Al Zahra Hospital.

This service will be led by Dr. Sahrkaw Azat Muhyaldeen, Consultant Cardiologist specialized in Electrophysiology and Cardiac Device Therapy.

Dr. Muhyaldeen completed advanced training and obtained full certification in Cardiac Electrophysiology in the United Kingdom, where he worked for many years as a Consultant Cardiologist and treated thousands of patients with heart rhythm disorders.

What Are Heart Rhythm Disorders?

Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) are common conditions affecting approximately 1–5% of the population.

They occur due to abnormalities in the electrical system of the heart and may cause symptoms such as:

• Palpitations (racing, pounding, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort or pain
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Fainting or blackouts
• Fatigue
• Reduced exercise capacity
• Anxiety or unexplained weakness

These conditions may be present from birth or develop later in life due to aging, heart disease, or other medical conditions.

While many rhythm problems are benign, some may be serious or life-threatening if left untreated.

Arrhythmias We Investigate and Treat

Our service provides expert diagnosis and treatment for the full spectrum of cardiac rhythm disorders, including:

Fast Heart Rhythms (Tachycardias)

• Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
• Atrial Flutter
• Atrial Tachycardia
• Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
• AVNRT (Atrioventricular Nodal Re-entry Tachycardia)
• AVRT (Atrioventricular Re-entry Tachycardia)
• Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW)
• Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia
• Focal Tachycardias
• Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
• Ventricular Ectopics / PVCs
• Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)

Slow Heart Rhythms (Bradycardias)

• Sinus Node Dysfunction
• Bradycardia
• Heart Block (1st, 2nd, and Complete Heart Block)
• Pause-related blackouts / Syncope

Extra Beats / Irregular Rhythms

• Premature Atrial Beats (PACs)
• Premature Ventricular Beats (PVCs)
• Ectopic Beats
• Intermittent Arrhythmias

Inherited / Genetic Heart Rhythm Conditions

• Long QT Syndrome
• Brugada Syndrome
• Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC)
• Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT)
• Short QT Syndrome

Unexplained Symptoms Requiring Rhythm Assessment

• Palpitations
• Syncope (fainting)
• Dizziness
• Cryptogenic stroke requiring AF screening

Our Services

Our Electrophysiology Unit offers a full range of investigations and treatments, including:

Diagnostic Services

• ECG and specialist rhythm assessment
• Holter monitoring (24h / 48h / extended monitoring)
• Event monitors
• Implantable Loop Recorders
• Exercise stress rhythm testing
• Tilt-table testing (where indicated)

Interventional Treatments

• Electrophysiology studies (EPS)
• Catheter ablation using advanced 3D mapping systems
• Complex ablation for AF, SVT, VT, atrial flutter, and ectopy
• Cardioversion (where appropriate)

Medication Management

• Tailored anti-arrhythmic therapy
• Rate and rhythm control strategies
• Anticoagulation advice for atrial fibrillation

Cardiac Device Therapy

• Pacemakers
• Leadless Pacemakers
• Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)
• Subcutaneous ICDs (S-ICD)
• Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)
• Conduction System Pacing / Selective Site Pacing
• Implantable Loop Recorders

Our Commitment to You

Our dedicated team—including highly trained specialist nurses—will:

• Support you throughout your care
• Assist with appointments and investigations
• Provide clear guidance and follow-up
• Deliver compassionate, timely, world-class care

We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for every patient.