I had problems with atrial fibrillation for 10 years and saw many specialists over this period, including in Manchester and Cambridge. Finally I was referred to Dr Gupta who agreed to take me on for ablation treatment. I have to say how pleased I am after 10 years of atrial fibrillation, I am now finally on the road to recovery after my ablation operation. My heart seems to be working better than it has ever been and touch wood it continues to do so.

I want to thank Dr Gupta for the cardiac procedures he has carried out on my heart this year.  I was extremely ill during 2007 and 2008. I spent most of 2008 in fact lying down in a dozy tired-out state, and had to attend hospital as an emergency admission three times. My breathing was poor, I became breathless very easily, I had almost constant nausea, itching, aching, kidney impairment and tummy swelling. I had cardiac palpitations and severe arrhythmia. I was discharged late on Christmas Eve and was very unwell over Christmas and New Year, again tired, breathless, dozy. My sleep was interrupted at night, I could barely walk or exercise. I continued to be determined to fight on but the battle was getting very hard.

Dr Gupta fitted me with a biventricular pacemaker and defibrillator early in January and the changes in my condition were apparent within hours. My breathing improved, my mental alertness increased, my morale rose and I began to feel much more alive. After discharge I improved still more, doing light exercises and light work in my garden. Nine months on my breathing continues to be better and I feel far more able to make plans and look to the future. I would recommend this procedure to others in my condition, and I strongly recommend Dr Gupta and his team at the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.

Stephen Bleasdale 59 years, Liverpool

Treatment: Ablation for Persistent AF

If you are one of Dr Gupta’s patients and would like to share your experience with others via this website, please contact us on contact@heartrhythmspecialist.co.uk

Mr George Cockayne, 67 years, Bebington, Wirral

Treatment: Catheter ablation for Persistent AF

I originally became aware of AF approximately 10 years ago, 3 years later I was referred by my GP to my local consultant cardiologist. I went on to have 3 electrical cardioversion treatments over 4 years, but AF returned each time. Now I was in continuous AF and was keen to have an alternative treatment because of the impact AF was having on my fitness levels and sense of well being and continual tiredness. Finally I was referred to LHCH at Broadgreen where I was fortunate to be given an appointment with Dr Gupta. Dr Gupta after making an assessment of my physical condition and age (then 66) decided to proceed. The ablation was performed in March ’09. It is now 9 months since the ablation and with much thanks to the skills of Dr Gupta and his team I have been given a new lease of life. I am in normal rhythm all the time now and can feel the difference in my health.

My only wish is that I had been made aware of this option and had the opportunity earlier.

Mary Mawdsley, 76 yrs, Formby

Ablation for Paroxysmal AF

In my early seventies I started to suffer from bouts of palpitations which can be very worrying and quite scary. I soon realised they were also very unpredictable, thus impinging on my daily life. Holidays abroad were dreaded in fear of having to be hospitalised and all that entailed. Therefore when I  learned that there was a procedure which could cure this condition I sought advice on whether my age would stop me from having it.

Luckily Dr Gupta felt that my age did not matter and I was fortunate to undergo the operation in June this year. Now six months down the road the operation has been a complete success, and the fear of experiencing bouts of palpitations has gone. I would advise anyone, regardless of age, to have this procedure and get back your quality of life.

Patricia Fryer 71 years, Oxton, Wirral

Treatment: Catheter Ablation for AF

My AF started two years ago as a mild form of indigestion (or so I thought). However over several months it became more persistent. My GP suggested several options including ablation therapy. He told me to go and think about it and maybe talk to someone who had had the treatment. I went on a cruise the following week with great trepidation due to the AF. On the ship I asked the doctor what he thought of the procedure and his response was very enthusiastic. On returning my doctor sent me to Dr Gupta who explained with great clarity the pros and cons of ablation. As I am an OAP I was interested to know if this would affect the outcome. However I was reassured that the success could still be in the over 70 percent range which satisfied me.

The procedure was performed about a year back under local anaesthetic. It was uneventful and the biggest problem was having to lie still for three hours. After an overnight stay in hospital I arrived home feeling no effects whatsoever. For the first few months I had a few minor episodes but after that I have felt absolutely nothing at all and my general health and fitness have improved.

If on reading this you may be encouraged to try the procedure I say ask to see Dr Gupta whom I think with the support of his team is nothing short of a miracle worker!

In the early part of 2006, I suffered a stroke, which left me with numerous difficulties and medical problems. In August 2009, I developed a dry and hacking cough and I found that my ankles were swelling up with retained fluid.

I was referred to Dr Jason Causer, at Countess of Chester Hospital, where after further tests, I was informed that my heart problem was now 'severe', and that I had such damage to my heart that I actually qualified for a "Heart Transplant". You can image my shock!

I was then referred to the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital for the insertion of a biventricular pacemaker. There I was seen by Dr. Dhiraj Gupta who decided after some tests that I would benefit by this treatment. Accordingly in September 2009, I was given a bi-ventricular defibrillator as a day-patient. I was aware of the whole process going on, but suffered no pain, only some minor discomfort.

I returned home the same day. That same evening I started to feel better, and my swollen ankles were almost back to normal. It was some days before I got used to the sound of my new 'heart-beat'. I had heard the sound of my old and failing heart, and this new sound, to me seemed to be like "Big-Ben" sounding the rhythm of a new life.

Some 3 weeks after the implant, I returned to Chester Countess Hospital, for photographs to be taken of the back of my heart. I could hardly believe the result when Dr Causer told me that my heart was back to its normal size, that it was no longer twisted, and that the leaking valve had sealed apart from a minor jet. My heart function had improved from 15% to 50%!

Since that date I have gone on to recover very well, and am now resuming my life. Or should I say, "Getting on with my new life". I now look forward to playing golf again and going for walks in the mountains. I feel privileged to have met all those members of the Cardiac teams working with Drs Causer and Gupta, and who have looked after me during a difficult period of my life.

Mr John Burton,Elton, Cheshire

Treatment: Biventricular ICD implant for heart failure

I suffered from a massive heart attack at the young age of 31, in 1998. This left me severely impaired both physically and mentally. I suffered from severe heart failure, which left me feeling very weak, and breathless at doing the slightest of exercise. In 2005 I was fitted with a bi-ventricular pacemaker, which helped the damaged part of my heart work more efficiently.

In June 2007, I started to feel very sick, light headed no energy and very lethargic. Even walking upstairs was a major achievement. I was told I had Atrial Fibrillation (AF). I had no appetite, no energy and I spent the next few months in bed. I was so ill that I even bought myself a plot to be buried in.

I had my first Cardioversion in June 2008. Everything felt fine for a while, then my heart popped into Atrial fibrillation again. I had 3 further cardio versions in 2009. I could not go on any longer in this condition. My consultant referred me to Dr Gupta.

Dr Gupta was very honest with me, which I totally admired. He told me that as my heart was so damaged, and being fitted with a bi-ventricular pacemaker already, the operation had only a 50/50 chance of success.

I had my operation in October 2009, I am pleased to say that the operation was a complete success. I have not had Atrial Fibrilation for nearly 8 months now. Each day I feel stronger, life has meaning now. This is all thanks to Dr Gupta and his wonderful team. I am totally indebted to Dr Gupta. This man’s pioneering work into heart arrhythmia is fantastic. I have nothing but praise for Dr Gupta, and would recommend him to anyone.

Mr Thomas Atherton, 43 years, Warrington, Cheshire

Procedure: Catheter ablation for persistent AF (images here)

Ms Ann Taylor, 70 years, North Wales

Procedure: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

My first encounter with A. F. came totally out of the blue, was really scary, as I had no idea what was happening to me.  My heart was beating so fast for about 30 seconds, then very slowly for about 30 seconds. This pattern continued for about two hours leaving me feeling dizzy and breathless. A trip to my GP the next day showed normal heart rate, and the diagnosis could not be made.

Over the next 8 years or so the attacks became more frequent and longer, lasting up to 15 hours a time. During this time all my confidence had gone, and I was too scared to do things I enjoyed, especially riding my horse.

My GP prescribed medication, which was not much help, so an appointment was made for me to have tests done at the local hospital. This was the turning point for me, as the palpitations returned, and finally showed up on the ECG.

I was referred to Dr. Gupta, who put me at ease, and made me feel I could have my life back.    I had the Ablation done in November 2008, but although the attacks were less severe, they were still present. In April 2009, Dr Gupta performed a second ablation using new technology. This worked and I immediately felt the benefit. Two months later I was back on my horse (see picture!) and for the last 9 months, I have my old life back again. I shall be ever grateful to Dr. Gupta and his brilliant team.

I first noted an irregular heartbeat in my 40’s but my doctor said that it was just a few dropped beats and not to worry.  In my 50’s, I had recurring, short-lasting attacks of Atrial Fibrillation but a cardiologist didn’t believe me and said my ECG was normal and not to worry.  In my early 60’s I had a severe attack of AF, could barely feel a pulse, and thought I might wake up dead in the morning.  My doctor put me on Beta Blockers and told me not to worry.

After that I had visual disturbances in my right eye and a scan showed a completely occluded right carotid artery so I was put on Warfarin.  I decided to start worrying!

Attacks of AF got worse and more frequent, and at times disabling, and I was referred to Dr Gupta in 2009.  I was immediately reassured with his concern that I was right to be worrying, and his confidence that he could put things right.  An ablation procedure was advised.  The investigations prior to surgery were meticulous and I could not fail to be impressed by the way that he and his team carried out the procedure; the standard of patient care from all concerned was exemplary.

That was 9 months ago and I have been in sinus rhythm ever since, feeling better than I have done for years, with increasing levels of exercise tolerance and diminishing levels of anxiety down to zero.

Many people, including physicians, do not realise what a disabling and scary condition AF can be; nor do they seem aware of the availability of the curative treatment that specialist cardiologists like Dr Gupta can offer.  Dr Gupta has turned my life around and I can now look forward to watching my grandson develop and grow.  Thank you

Dr Alan Russell, 68 years, Sefton

Procedure: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

I was aware that something was not right with my heart in 1967 when I had a period of around one and a half hours where the heart rate went up to over 140 and appeared irregular. The doctor I went to said there was nothing really wrong and gave me breathing exercises to do. These were successful for many years, but by 2002 I was experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness and occasional pains.  A diary monitor showed these to happen on average 10 times per month. The heart specialists I saw at my local hospital could find nothing wrong, even though they used a couple of types of monitor, as the intervals between attacks were unpredictable and there didn’t appear to be any particular trigger. Most occurred when I was relaxing. The breakthrough came when I had an attack while talking to my GP.

I was referred to Dr. Gupta who explained that I had an extra circuit in the heart and that it was treatable with around 98 – 99% success. Naturally I went for it – even though I was also nervous. On the day, the worst part was the waiting as I was about the last to go in. The procedure from a patients view is easy in that you are awake all through it, given relaxants and if you so wish watch what is going on. I found it extremely interesting. 2 hours later it was all over and I was back in the day ward. My first words to my wife were “I can’t feel my heart”. She found it amusing as she never feels her heart unless doing strenuous exercise, but I have always been aware of what my heart is doing and how it is beating. 2 hours after the procedure, I was on my way home and 3 months later after not having one incident in that time, I was pronounced completely cured. Life is good and I am now on a fitness regime to lose weight and get fitter for the coming golf season.

Mr Jim Draper, 66 years, Chester

Procedure: Catheter ablation for SVT (accessory pathway)

Mrs Josie Whittaker 63 years, Warrington, Cheshire

Procedure: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

I started with Atrial Fibrillation 13 years ago. Although the attacks were very few at first they started to become more frequent. Over the last 3 years I spent many occasions in hospital trying to get my heart back in rhythm. Various drugs were unsuccessful so my GP who was very supportive referred me to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, where I was offered Catheter ablation by Dr Gupta.

I did not have to wait long, and in August 2009 I was admitted as a day patient. I was very nervous but the staff members were all very kind. The operation itself was uncomfortable and because it’s your heart you are aware that something is happening. However it was not painful, a trip to the dentist could be worse! Luckily there is a lot of sedation to hand. The procedure did take a long time so a suggestion would be to take an Ipod in with you.

I stayed in overnight and the following week I was very tired. Don’t be alarmed if after the procedure the attacks continue; its just the heart settling down. I haven’t had an attack for quite some time now, and I feel that the procedure has been a success.  With atrial fibrillation not knowing when an attack may happen makes the procedure worthwhile.

My sincere thanks to Dr Gupta and his team for their excellent treatment and aftercare.

I first went into AF in January 2008. I lasted about three weeks in AF before I ‘flicked back’ into sinus rhythm whilst swimming, I knew the exact moment.  During my initial local hospital appointments I was told I was in AF but the condition was not discussed in any depth. I made the error of searching the internet. The horror of the internet, I was petrified. Why could not the local hospital have directed me to the various support groups? A simple poster and a few leaflets in the hospital would have done the trick.

The next ten months came and went. I changed my lifestyle increasing exercise, lost weight. I stopped drinking alcohol for 6 months, then kept with the daily guideline. I only drank one or two cups of de-caffeinated tea or coffee a day. I was feeling so good.

One evening in November 2008 I had a coughing fit and knew straight away that I was in AF. My heart rate was back up and I could feel the irregular heart rhythm with the palpitations.  Walking up a slight incline and I was out of breath. I could not climb a single flight of stairs in one go. Basically any physical activity took it out of me. I just felt so low and could not see a way out of my situation. My passion is gardening. Previously I would spend the whole day in the garden, now I was lucky if I could do 20 minutes of gardening. What made it worse was being told how well I looked.

My GP is excellent. I was so lucky that he has an interest in cardiology. He spent time explaining about AF and the medical intervention options I had. He got me back under the local hospital cardio unit. At the time I thought the care was at my local hospital good. But when I compare it to that of Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital it was somewhat lacking.

Things went slowly with my local hospital. I had a cardioversion in January 2009. I only lasted in sinus rhythm for less than a week before returning into AF. My next appointment was a long way off so I spoke to my GP for advice. I am so pleased I did. He suggested a direct referral to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.

This was when everything changed for the better. Just over four weeks later I had an appointment with Dr Hall at LHCH. He spent time explaining AF and answering my questions.  We decided that the best way forward was an ablation which was the approach my GP had discussed with me. To try to improve my quality of life arrangements were made for me to have a cardioversion. I only had to wait less than two weeks for the cardioversion. The staff in the day ward were so supportive. Unfortunately a couple of days later I was back in AF.

At the start of June 2009 I had my ablation. Unfortunately it only lasted a couple of weeks before I went back into AF. Dr Hall then suggested that he wanted to do a joint procedure with Dr Gupta.

I met Dr Gupta who was very honest and explained the success rate. He was so positive. In preparation for the procedure he advised me to exercise again. I am so pleased he motivated me to get back in the gym. For some unknown reason in October 2009 I returned into normal rhythm one morning when I was in the gym. Although I was back in normal rhythm we made the decision to carry on and have a second ablation. In fact I did not need any convincing, I wanted the procedure.

I had the ablation just before Christmas. It was the best Christmas present.  I was back home the day after the procedure. I was soon back at work. It has now been over six months since I returned to sinus rhythm. How do I feel, quite simply, great. I am back running and in the gym. Jobs around the house are now getting done and walking around the shops is enjoyable! My advice is if you are offered an ablation please consider it. Like others who have given their account I now have my life back. The staff at LHCH certainly has the knowledge and skills to help you.

A big thanks to all at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. I am now living a full life again.

Mr David Lightfoot, 47 years, Wirral

Procedure: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

Mr Anthony Ridley, 67 years, Greasby, Wirral

Procedure: Catheter ablation for persistent AF

Late in 2008 I visited my GP complaining of a major loss in energy. Investigations established that I had become a type 2 diabetes patient. Then at the beginning of 2009 my condition worsened whilst abroad on holiday. I could not walk further than 100 yards without becoming seriously breathless and dizzy. On my return to England it was discovered that I had atrial fibrillation.

I underwent cardioversion late in April 2009 which worked for exactly 20 minutes before the irregular heart rate returned. I was no longer able to work as a concert violinist because of unpredictable bow shaking.

Consequently I was referred to Dr Gupta. I was immediately impressed with his honest assessment and was thrilled that he agreed to accept me as a patient for an ablation procedure. After the disappointment with the cardioversion treatment, I did not dare to hope for a miracle. The website really helped to increase my confidence in the operation and to allay any fears I had.

Imagine my joy to later discover immediately after the treatment that I felt so much better. All my symptoms had gone and now six months after the operation I feel rejuvenated and 10 years younger. I have suffered none of the unpleasant sensations again and now thanks to Dr Gupta and his team I am beginning to believe in miracles.