Biography

Dr Zhong Chen is a consultant cardiologist at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals, where he treats both NHS and private patients.

He studied medicine and surgery at University College London (UCL) and gained his MBBS qualification. He has also completed an undergraduate degree in pharmacology, graduating with first-class honours.

Dr Chen undertook his cardiology specialist training in London. This included fellowships in cardiac electrophysiology and cardiac devices at St George’s Hospital, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital and Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, where he worked with leading experts.

He has a PhD in cardiovascular medicine from King’s College London, which pioneered the use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the treatment of complex cardiac arrhythmias.

Clinical expertise

Dr Zhong Chen is a specialist in managing patients with heart rhythm disorders. He treats patients with:

  • palpitations
  • blackouts (syncope)
  • chest pains
  • high blood pressure.

To diagnose and monitor patients' conditions, Dr Chen performs coronary angiography, echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

He specialises in complex catheter ablation procedures using the latest technologies for all arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. He is also experienced in implanting all types of cardiac devices including pacemakers, defibrillators and cardiac resynchronisation therapy.

Dr Chen believes in a patient-centred approach. He always ensures that patients are fully informed and involved in their care. Following clinical assessment and detailed discussion of the patient's concerns, he takes particular care to explain all aspects of the condition and the treatment plan.

As a member of one of the largest arrhythmia units in Europe, he strives to be at the forefront of high-quality arrhythmia service provision. He is responsible for auditing and ensuring the safety and quality of the arrhythmia service at Harefield Hospital. He believes that continuous oversight and independent examination of a service leads to better outcomes for patients.

Research interests

Dr Zhong Chen's research interests include the use of cardiac MRI to personalise the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. This approach to arrhythmia risk stratification and cardiac pathology leads to safer and more effective treatment.

His research work has been published in major international journals and presented to peers at conferences throughout the world. 

Publications

Dr Zhong Chen has a strong academic record with many publications in international journals such as:

  • Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology.
  • Heart Rhythm journal.
  • Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Clinical Electrophysiology.
  • Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Imaging.
  • Journal of American Heart Association.
  • European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging.
  • International Journal of Cardiology.
  • EP Europace.
  • Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology.

He has also published numerous book chapters and articles.