Robert H. Helm, MD

Clinical Associate Professor, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Biography

Dr. Robert Helm is an academic cardiac electrophysiologist whose clinical and research interests include atrial fibrillation and advanced cardiac pacing. As director of the Cardiac Device Clinic at Boston Medical Center (BMC), he has expanded arrhythmia services across BMC’s regional affiliates, including Sturdy Health, while improving the safety and accessibility of perioperative care and magnetic resonance imaging for patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices. His research examines cognitive outcomes and health disparities in atrial fibrillation, innovative pacing techniques, arrhythmia detection and anticoagulation management. Current projects include developing a mapping system to facilitate left bundle branch area pacing, investigating anodal biphasic pacing to improve diastolic function and serving as site principal investigator for the NIH-funded REACT-AF trial of Apple Watch-guided anticoagulation. Dr. Helm contributes to national consensus statements and physician certification programs through the Heart Rhythm Society and American College of Cardiology.

Publications

  • Published 7/29/2026

    Yoo TK, Trujillo-Arvizu L, Kaufman C, Pendela VS, Rodriguez S, Hu T, Tugal D, Helm RH, Monahan KM. Short QT Syndrome Masquerading as Lone Atrial Fibrillation: Hidden in Plain Sight. JACC Case Rep. 2026 Jul 29; 31(30):108675. PMID: 42530204.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 1/28/2025

    Ko D, Chung MK, Evans PT, Benjamin EJ, Helm RH. Atrial Fibrillation: A Review. JAMA. 2025 Jan 28; 333(4):329-342. PMID: 39680399.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 11/8/2024

    Shapira-Daniels A, King DS, Reisner SL, Beach LB, Eromosele OB, Ravichandran S, Helm RH, Benjamin EJ, Streed CG. Prevalence of Cardiac Arrhythmias in Transgender and Nonbinary Adult Community Health Center Patients. LGBT Health. 2025; 12(4):249-257. PMID: 39514251.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 5/15/2024

    Chugh PV, Danford J, Farber A, Ayalon N, Verma A, Helm RH, Monahan KM, Kalish JA. Retrieval of Embolized WATCHMAN® Flex Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device. Vasc Endovascular Surg. 2024 Oct; 58(7):752-756. PMID: 38747057.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 5/14/2024

    Athreya DS, Saczynski JS, Gurwitz JH, Monahan KM, Bamgbade BA, Paul TJ, Sogade F, Lessard DM, McManus DD, Helm RH. Cognitive impairment and treatment strategy for atrial fibrillation in older adults: The SAGE-AF study. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2024 Jul; 72(7):2082-2090. PMID: 38742376.

    Read at: PubMed

View All 58 Publications:   View Full Profile in BUMC

Other Positions

  • Clinical Associate Professor, Radiology
    Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Websites

Education

  • Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, MD
  • Johns Hopkins University, BS

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