Dr Aaisha Opel

• Specialty: consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist (heart rhythm specialist) with particular expertise in heart rhythm disorders, autonomic dysfunction, women's heart health and cardiovascular disease prevention

• Conditions seen: atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, ectopic or skipped beats, bradycardia (slow heart rate), inherited cardiac conditions, syncope (blackouts and collapse), cardiomyopathies, heart failure, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, carotid artery stenosis, and heart rhythm problems associated with long Covid

• Tests, treatments and procedures: electrocardiogram (ECG), continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring, implantable loop recorders, remote heart rhythm monitoring, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, private echocardiogram, electrophysiological study and ablation, atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, pacemakers and device therapy, patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure

• Often consulted by patients with: palpitations, chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness, or blackouts and collapse, and by patients wanting cardiovascular risk factor control, screening or prevention

• Patient ages seen: 18+

• Also: clinical director of medical specialties at North Middlesex University Hospital; established the first day case atrial fibrillation ablation service in a district general hospital; council member of the British Heart Rhythm Society and of the Specialist Advisory Committee for Cardiology

• Languages: English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu

Dr Aaisha Opel is a consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist (heart rhythm specialist) at Welbeck's Heart Health centre in London. She consults on all aspects of cardiology, with a special expertise in heart rhythm disorders, autonomic dysfunction and women's heart health. Dr Opel assesses symptoms including palpitations, chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness and blackouts or collapse, with particular expertise in diagnosing and managing atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), fast and slow heart rates, and inherited heart rhythm conditions. Her practice also covers cardiomyopathies (heart muscle diseases), heart failure, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, carotid artery stenosis and heart problems associated with long Covid, alongside heart health screening and cardiovascular disease prevention.

As an electrophysiologist, Dr Opel specialises in investigating the heart's electrical system and treating abnormal heart rhythms. She uses a range of diagnostic tests, including electrocardiograms (ECGs, continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring, implantable loop recorders, remote heart rhythm monitoring, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and echocardiography, as well as electrophysiological studies to investigate more complex rhythm problems. Her treatments include catheter ablation, which uses fine tubes passed into the heart to target tissue responsible for abnormal electrical signals, including atrial fibrillation ablation. She also offers pacemakers and other cardiac device therapies, alongside patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure.

Dr Opel established the first day-case atrial fibrillation ablation service in a district general hospital, allowing patients to undergo treatment and return home the same day. The service has won several awards, been adopted by other hospitals and featured in published research. She is also regularly invited to speak at conferences about her experience of developing the service and improving access to specialist heart rhythm treatment.

After completing her specialist training at Barts Heart Centre, Dr Opel worked as a consultant in cardiology and electrophysiology at Royal Brompton and Harefield and Chelsea and Westminster hospitals. She is now clinical director of medical specialties at North Middlesex University Hospital, a role she has held since 2021.

Alongside her clinical work, Dr Opel is passionate about supporting the next generation of cardiologists, particularly women entering the specialty. As an educational supervisor and mentor, she has received positive feedback from trainees and Health Education England for her contribution to training. She also plays an active role in professional leadership, serving on the councils of the British Heart Rhythm Society and the Specialist Advisory Committee for Cardiology.