Rythmologue in Paris for atrial fibrillation and heart rhythm disorders

Atrial fibrillation, or fibrillation auriculaire, is the most common heart rhythm disorder in adults and the single biggest reason to see a rythmologue. The upper chambers of the heart beat in a fast, disorganised way, which makes the pulse irregular and can cause palpitations, breathlessness and fatigue, though it can also be completely silent. Treatment has two aims: controlling the rhythm itself, and reducing the risk of stroke, since it can promote clots. We assess that stroke risk and may prescribe an anticoagulant, then treat the rhythm with medication or catheter ablation. Because it can go unnoticed, regular screening matters, especially with risk factors like high blood pressure or sleep apnoea.

Extrasystoles are extra, early heartbeats that interrupt the normal rhythm, felt as a skipped beat, a thump, or a brief flutter. They're extremely common and, in most people, entirely harmless, especially if occasional and not accompanied by other symptoms. That said, frequent extrasystoles, or ones that come with chest pain, breathlessness or fainting, are worth a rythmologue's assessment: an ECG and often a Holter recording show how often they occur and whether they need any treatment. In the large majority of cases, reassurance is the outcome; when treatment is needed, it ranges from addressing triggers (caffeine, stress, poor sleep) to medication in more troublesome cases.

See a rythmologue if you feel palpitations, a racing or irregular heartbeat, skipped beats, or if any of that comes with breathlessness, fatigue, chest discomfort, dizziness or fainting. It's also the right move if a previous ECG or a connected watch has flagged an irregular rhythm, or if you've already been treated for an arrhythmia and need follow-up. Because some rhythm disorders are intermittent or silent, we often confirm a diagnosis with a Holter recording worn over one or more days. If symptoms are severe, such as fainting or lasting chest pain, treat it as an emergency: call 15 (SAMU) or 112 rather than booking a routine appointment.

As a rythmologue-led team, we diagnose and treat the full range: atrial fibrillation and flutter, extrasystoles, supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias, and conduction disorders that slow the heart. Assessment starts with a consultation, an ECG and, when needed, a Holter recording, so an intermittent arrhythmia doesn't go uncaptured. Depending on the diagnosis, we propose medication, catheter ablation, or a pacemaker or defibrillator, and we also follow patients who already carry an implanted device. Having a rythmologue and a full diagnostic platform in one team means your arrhythmia is diagnosed, treated and followed within the same team.

Catheter ablation is a treatment we may propose when medication doesn't control an arrhythmia or isn't wanted. A thin, flexible catheter is guided to the heart, usually through a vein at the groin, and the small area of tissue responsible for the rhythm disorder is neutralised, most often by heat (radiofrequency) or cold (cryoablation). For atrial fibrillation, the key step is isolating the pulmonary veins, the most common source of the arrhythmia. The consultation, the decision and the follow-up happen here with your rythmologue; the procedure itself is carried out in a specialist hospital setting. For many patients, ablation reduces the frequency of episodes or restores a durable, normal rhythm.

Yes, palpitations are one of the most common reasons to see a rythmologue. Most are harmless, but they can sometimes reveal atrial fibrillation or extrasystoles, which is why they deserve assessment. We take your history, perform an ECG and often fit a Holter recorder so the arrhythmia can be captured while you go about your normal day. Linking the moment you feel a palpitation to the tracing lets us make a precise diagnosis. If it turns out to be benign, that reassurance matters in itself; if a rhythm disorder is found, we define the right treatment, from lifestyle measures to medication or ablation.

Diagnosis combines your history with recordings of the heart's electrical activity. The first test is an ECG, which captures the rhythm at that moment. Because many arrhythmias come and go, we often add a Holter recording worn from 24 hours to several days, so an intermittent disorder isn't missed. When useful, an echocardiogram assesses the heart's structure. Together these tests let us identify the exact rhythm disorder, judge the risk it carries and, for atrial fibrillation, assess stroke risk: this diagnostic step defines everything that follows.

Every rythmologue trained first as a cardiologist, then specialised further in heart rhythm and conduction disorders. A general cardiologist handles prevention, risk factors, valve disease and heart failure; a rythmologue concentrates on arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, extrasystoles and tachycardias, and performs interventional treatments such as catheter ablation. Both work in the same team here, so if a routine cardiology consultation uncovers an abnormal rhythm, you're referred to the rythmologue without repeating tests. Choosing a centre where both collaborate keeps your care joined up, from a first check-up to specialist rhythm treatment.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, sometimes general anaesthesia, so you're comfortable throughout. Most patients feel little beyond mild pressure at the groin, where the catheter is introduced. It generally lasts one to three hours, with a short observation afterwards, from a few hours to one night. Recovery is quick, with a few precautions at the puncture site, and we review the result with you in the following weeks. Ablation has been practised for decades with a strong safety record; as with any procedure it carries rare risks, which we explain in detail beforehand.

Yes. These devices treat rhythms that are too slow, or protect against dangerous fast rhythms, and need regular checks to confirm they're working correctly and to adjust their settings. We review your device, your symptoms and your rhythm, and coordinate any further care with the implanting hospital when needed. If you've moved or are looking for a rythmologue to take over device follow-up, we can arrange that: keeping it alongside the rest of your cardiology care means we hold a complete view of your heart over time.

Connected watches and wristbands can flag an irregular heartbeat and have become a useful prompt to see a rythmologue. They typically use optical sensors, sometimes a single-lead ECG, to spot irregularity during everyday life, which helps when atrial fibrillation is silent. An alert is a reason to consult, not a diagnosis: we confirm any finding with a medical ECG and, if needed, a Holter recording. If your watch has flagged something, bring the recording or a screenshot to your consultation.

Most are not immediately dangerous, but some deserve attention because of the risks they carry over time. Atrial fibrillation can promote clots and raise stroke risk, and a poorly controlled arrhythmia can, over the long run, tire the heart and contribute to heart failure. That's why a rythmologue assesses not just the rhythm itself but the risk it carries, and may prescribe an anticoagulant for atrial fibrillation specifically. Many disorders are managed very well once diagnosed. Sudden, severe symptoms like fainting or lasting chest pain are an emergency: call 15 (SAMU) or 112 first.

Use the online booking button on this page, or call the secretariat. Describe your main symptom, such as palpitations, an irregular heartbeat or a fainting spell, so we can plan enough time and any test that might be needed. Bring your previous ECGs, Holter results, medication list, and any connected-watch recording. New patients are welcome, whether for a first assessment of palpitations, follow-up of known atrial fibrillation, or a device check. If symptoms are severe or sudden, treat it as an emergency and call 15 (SAMU) or 112 rather than waiting for an appointment.