Dr V Thomas
Dr Vinod Thomas is a cardiologist based in Cape Town. After completing his BSc (anatomy) in Archaeology under the tutelage of the late Professor Philip Tobias at the University of Witwatersrand, he went on to obtain his Medical Degree (MBCHB, WITS) at the same institute.
Dr Thomas completed his internship at the Pietersburg Tertiary Hospital and community service at Elim District Hospital. During that time, he trained in multiple disciplines, including internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, anaesthesia, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatric medicine and psychiatry. He then worked as a medical officer in the UK (Portsmouth, Exeter and Brighton NHS Hospitals), covering specialities including emergency medicine, acute medicine, internal medicine and geriatric medicine.
Cardiac Devices
Arrhythmia
An abnormal or irregular heartbeat is known as arrhythmia. Often arrhythmias occur in normal functioning hearts and are benign. Still, they can cause some uncomfortable symptoms, which affect the quality of life, and can cause serious conditions in some cases.
Cardiac electrophysiologists assess arrhythmias. Factors such as the patient’s symptoms and clinical situation are considered to find the most suitable treatment option.
Types of arrhythmia
There are a number of types of arrhythmia. These include:
- Arrhythmia
When the heartbeat is irregular or originates in an area of the heart other than the sino-atrial node, it is called arrhythmia. There are different types of arrhythmia, such as bradyarrhythmia, a slow heartbeat and tachyarrhythmia, an unusually fast heartbeat. - Bradyarrhythmia
Bradyarrhythmia is a heart rhythm that is too slow, slower than 60 beats per minute. When the heart's rhythm is too slow to meet the body's metabolic demands, you may experience symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, and fainting. This is typically a sign of an underlying issue with the heart. Your cardiologist may recommend a pacemaker for bradyarrhythmia. - Tachyarrhythmias
Tachyarrhythmias occur when electrical impulses are generated in an area of the heart other than the sino-atrial node, and the heart beats too fast, over 100 beats a minute. These arrhythmias sometimes occur in normal functioning as well as abnormal hearts. Symptoms of a tachyarrhythmia include heart palpitations, chest pains, shortness of breath, dizziness and fainting.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a condition that occurs when the heart beats irregularly, at a quick pace, over 100 beats every minute. As a result, symptoms of dizziness, feeling faint and losing oxygen start to occur.
How does the heart work?
The heart is made up of four chambers – the right and left atria and the larger right and left ventricles. The atria pump blood into the ventricles, while the ventricles pump blood throughout the body. The right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs so that they have access to oxygen, and the left side pumps blood to the body and brain.
When the heart is functioning normally, the atria pump blood to the ventricles before the ventricles pump blood to the body, so the atria and ventricles work in sequence. To make sure that the chambers are all in sequence and to control the speed at which the heart beats, it has an electrical timing system.
Small cells in the sinus node at the top of the heart send an electrical impulse out 60 to 80 times per minute, which means that the normal rate at which the heart beats is between 60 to 80 times a minute, with an increase during exercise. The impulse moves across the atria from right to left, causing the cells of the atria to contract. An insulated line separates the atria and ventricles from each other. When the electrical wave reaches the line, it ends, and the cells wait for the next electrical impulse from the sinus node.
The atria are connected to the ventricles by the atrioventricular node and bundle branches, which act as electrical paths through which the electrical waves can spread, causing the ventricles to contract. Thus, when an electrical wave is sent, it moves from the top to the bottom of the heart before it dies out until the next impulse is sent.
Marlize Grobler2024-02-26Since I went to Dr Vinod Thomas my life has changed for the better with the correct medication he gave me. What a positive change in my life! Also friendly staff in the practice. Thank you.
Erika Minnie2024-02-26I would like to commend and thank Dr Vinod, who performed 2 ablation procedures on my husband. He is one of the most professional and capable specialists that we have had the pleasure if meeting. He really took his time to explain everything to us in detail and to reassure us. He is a true master in his profession and such a nice man. Dr Vinod successfully corrected a complex arrhythmia problem that my husband had. As a wife, anxiously waiting outside the cathlab during the almost 6 hour procedures, I was kept informed during and after the process which was so reassuring and meant so much to me. Dr Vinod has a very professional and capable team and I would not hesitate to recommend this amazing team. Thank you Dr. THOMAS, we were very lucky to have met you.
Jan Minnie2024-02-26Dear Dr Thomas, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the exceptional care and support you provided during my recent medical journey. From the moment I stepped into your office, I knew I was in good hands. Your willingness to see me despite my previous setbacks was a true testament to your dedication to your patients' well-being. I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to assess my condition and offer your expertise and guidance. Your compassion and empathy throughout the entire process were truly remarkable. You not only addressed my medical needs but also took the time to reassure my wife and me, easing our anxieties and fears. Your ability to communicate complex medical information in a way that we could understand was invaluable and greatly appreciated. The skill and precision you demonstrated during the ablation therapy were nothing short of remarkable. Despite the challenges we faced during the procedure, your perseverance and determination ultimately led to a successful outcome. I am incredibly grateful to be free from the medications that were causing me distress and to be on the path to better health thanks to your intervention. I also want to extend my gratitude to your exceptional team, including your assistant and Dr Bowden, the anaesthetist. Their professionalism and support were instrumental in ensuring a smooth and successful procedure. Dr Thomas, you are truly at the top of your game, and I feel fortunate to have been under your care. I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone in need of a cardiologist, especially those facing heart rhythm problems. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done for me. Your kindness, expertise, and dedication have made a significant difference in my life, and I will always be grateful.
Roy Close2024-02-08A simple caring doctor with a wonderful and relaxed, bedside manner. That extra mile and empathy, the obvious knowledge and the confidence in explanations makes one feel comfortable and safe in his care. Thank you for being here in Cape Town 🙏
Oryxplum@telkomsa.net Oryxplum@telkomsa.net2024-01-28One of my guardian angels. Best dr. Personality and work professional. He look after you and look for simptomes and diagnose it very quick with a great team. Blessings for him and his team. Highly recommended 👌 👍
Louis Verheem2024-01-25Dr Thomas is not only a excellent cardiologist but also great clinician who really goes the extra mile! From start to finish it was a real pleasure being treated by him. Without going into to many details, my treatment was very challenging. Despite all the challenges he found a solution that worked for me. I am truly thankful for his calm and careful approach. I can't recommend Dr Thomas enough, a great doctor but also a caring person. If you choose Dr Thomas you know your care and well-being is in safe hands!
Kenneth Ball2023-10-31Dr Thomas has been treating my wife since January 2021. He is an exceptional cardiologist,his consultations and explanations are comprehensive and well-understood by his patient. Dr Thomas is an empathetic man,his bedside manner is extraordinary and my wife always leaves his rooms feeling calm and assured.
Ushah Mackie2023-05-29My mom, Sharifah J Ranchod, needed a pacemaker put in. The family was very concerned about the procedure, especially due to her age. But thanks to the capable and skilful hands of Dr V. Thomas, the day after the surgery, my mom was back to her jolly old self again. Many Thanks
Stacy Harrison2023-03-16Excellent doctor. Handled my dad’s case with so much care and compassion.
najade koedooder2023-02-28What can I say except, Thank you, Thank you. I was referred to Dr Thomas for complex PVC's that were making me feel like I was at the end of my shelf life. Dr Thomas spent time getting to know me and saw things that most specialists don't see. For once I was taken seriously. He performed his magic (cardiac ablation) and for the first time in 4 years, I feel like a normal person. Why would I refer anyone to Dr Thomas? He explains things as they are, does not give false expectation, has empathy, and he and his team, (Nadia) worked in sync.
