Rhythmology at the CBF

Cardiac arrhythmias are among the most common heart diseases worldwide, and the number of people affected is constantly increasing. In Germany, around 1.5 to 2 million people suffer from atrial fibrillation, the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia. These disorders can have a significant impact on the lives of those affected and significantly increase the risk of strokes and heart failure.

At the Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine at the Benjamin Franklin Campus of the Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC), we offer the entire spectrum of modern diagnostics and therapy for cardiac arrhythmias - for both outpatients and inpatients. We use traditional diagnostic methods such as the resting ECG, the long-term ECG and the exercise ECG. In cases where these diagnostic methods are not sufficient, implantable event monitors, telemedicine solutions and AI-supported long-term ECGs are also used. These are also particularly useful for patients with syncope, i.e. sudden loss of consciousness, or other cardiac arrhythmias that do not occur very frequently.

Cardiac arrhythmias or syncope may require further investigations. With the help of echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and targeted blood tests, we can precisely determine the cause and the patient's individual risk. Ablation, the sclerotherapy of heart tissue, is becoming increasingly important as a form of therapy alongside drug treatment. Using state-of-the-art 3D mapping technology and the latest ablation methods, we can precisely localise and treat even complex arrhythmias. As a leading centre, we have access to all new mapping procedures and catheter technologies.

In the field of device medicine, we implant modern pacemakers and defibrillators (ICDs) and also offer subcutaneous ICDs and wireless pacemakers if required. Cardiac resynchronisation therapy is also used for suitable patients with cardiac insufficiency. Telemedical monitoring is also playing an increasingly important role here, especially for patients with ICDs.