Even minor heartbeat irregularities can signal a risk of sudden cardiac arrest. At FV Hospital, Dr Hoang Quang Minh pinpoints the source of the arrhythmia and treats them to restore a healthy heart rhythm.

Three Years “Tracking Down” an Elusive Arrhythmia

Ms H., from Gia Lai, occasionally experienced palpitations, anxiety, and an irregular heartbeat. Despite multiple check-ups at her local hospital, no heart issues were detected, and she was prescribed psychiatric medication. The episodes continued several times a month, but no abnormalities were ever recorded during her hospital visits. After years of uncertainty, she decided to travel to Ho Chi Minh City in search of a definitive diagnosis.

When examining Ms H., Dr Hoang Quang Minh from the Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology Department at FV Hospital suspected her symptoms were related to arrhythmia – a condition that disrupts the heart’s ability to pump blood and may lead to cardiac arrest. He prescribed a wearable heart monitor for continuous tracking.

Over a month later, an episode was recorded, confirming the diagnosis. Dr Minh performed catheter ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that uses thermal energy to create scar tissue in the heart, blocking abnormal electrical signals and restoring a normal rhythm. After the procedure, Ms H.’s symptoms completely resolved. She was relieved to finally receive an accurate diagnosis and regain her quality of life.

With over 20 years of experience in arrhythmia treatment, Dr Minh noted that the condition is becoming increasingly common and can be life-threatening. Because episodes are often intermittent, diagnosis can be challenging. Many patients overlook early symptoms until complications arise.

At FV Hospital, Dr Minh works closely with patients, often monitoring them over extended periods. “Capturing an arrhythmia can take years,” he explained. “My longest case involved a patient who had experienced a transient ischemic attack. We implanted a cardiac monitor, and it took two years to detect atrial fibrillation.”

A Calling to Cardiology: Driven by the Will to Save Lives

Dr Hoang Quang Minh discovered his passion for cardiology while studying at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City. During night shifts at the hospital, he was deeply moved by the sight of cardiologists reviving patients whose hearts had stopped. “That image stayed with me,” he recalls. “It inspired me to become someone who can help save lives at the brink of death.”

After graduation, Dr Minh specialised in cardiology, fully committing himself to this mission. Each emergency strengthened his clinical judgment and response skills. Over the years, his calm, meticulous, and dedicated care has helped save many lives, leaving a lasting impression on his patients.

The Hidden Risks of Irregular Heartbeats

Experts in Vietnam and around the world continue to tackle arrhythmias – conditions that can lead to serious consequences. One of the most common is atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of stroke due to blood clots. Statistics show that one in four stroke cases is linked to atrial fibrillation. In Vietnam, thousands suffer strokes each year as a result of this condition, with many cases leading to death or permanent disability.

Advanced tools are essential for diagnosing and treating arrhythmias, yet few hospitals can afford such high-tech equipment leaving many doctors without the means to intervene effectively. Despite these challenges, Dr Minh remains focused on detecting atrial fibrillation before it fully develops, aiming to reduce the risks of stroke and heart failure at their root.

Since joining FV Hospital in 2020, Dr Hoang Quang Minh has made significant contributions to the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Through his expertise and dedication, he has played a key role in developing the Department of Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology at FV into one of the leading heart centres.

FV Hospital is equipped with advanced technologies for arrhythmia treatment. For example, in managing atrial fibrillation, FV uses radiofrequency ablation in combination with 3D cardiac mapping systems, allowing precise localisation and treatment of abnormal heart tissue. This approach delivers a high success rate of 98–99%.

FV also offers a comprehensive range of advanced heart rhythm monitoring options, including 24-hour, 7-day, and 30-day Holter monitoring, as well as implantable loop recorders that can monitor heart activity for up to three years. These tools enable early detection of abnormal rhythms, even in asymptomatic patients – opening the door to timely treatment and significantly reduces the risk of complications such as heart failure or stroke.

According to Dr Hoang Quang Minh, arrhythmia treatment remains a complex field, one which motivates him to continuously deepen his expertise. In addition to his clinical work, he actively participates in international cardiology training and conferences across the US, Hong Kong, Australia, China, and Japan, staying up to date with the latest advancements and strengthening global collaborations for complex cases.

“Every patient is unique – there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Being a doctor means committing to lifelong learning,” Dr Minh affirms.