Dr José Luis Merino Llorens

Cardiology

Dr José Luis Merino Llorens

Specialist in
  • Atrial fibrillation and flutter.
  • Complex cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Catheter ablation.
«Behind every complex arrhythmia is a person who needs expertise, advanced technology and a doctor who speaks to them honestly and empathetically.»
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Professional profile

A cardiologist specialising in electrophysiology and cardiac rhythm disorders, with extensive national and international experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias. His work focuses on a holistic approach to patient care, combining clinical expertise, highly complex procedures and technological innovation.

He has been a pioneer in the use of advanced navigation and ablation techniques for the treatment of complex arrhythmias, always maintaining an approach based on scientific evidence, safety and the pursuit of the best possible outcomes for each patient.

His approach to practising medicine is underpinned by active listening, a personal touch and personalised care. He believes that the best technology and the greatest experience are only meaningful when they are used to inform honest decision-making and to ensure what is truly in each patient’s best interests.

Education

Medical and specialist training in cardiology, supplemented by specific training in cardiac electrophysiology and healthcare management.

2023 | Certification in Electrophysiology. European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), European Society of Cardiology.
2009 | Master’s in Strategic Management of Healthcare Units. ESADE.
2004 | Accreditation in Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. Spanish Society of Cardiology.
1993 | Fellowship in Electrophysiology. St George’s Hospital, London (United Kingdom).
1993 | Doctor of Medicine. Complutense University of Madrid. Grade: First Class Honours (Cum Laude) by unanimous decision.
1993 | Fellowship in Electrophysiology. Boston Children’s Hospital – Harvard University. Boston (United States).
1993 – 1995 | Advanced training in Arrhythmias and Electrophysiology. Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital. Madrid.
1989–1993 | Specialised Medical Training in Cardiology (MIR). La Paz University Hospital. Madrid.
1982–1988 | Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery. Complutense University of Madrid.

Professional experience

Clinical work in cardiology and electrophysiology, with a leadership role in patient care and national and international scientific representation.

2020 – Present | Paediatric Arrhythmia Co-ordinator. La Paz University Hospital. Madrid.
2010 – Present | Head of the Arrhythmias and Robotic Electrophysiology Unit. La Paz University Hospital, Madrid.
1995 – 2010 | Specialist Consultant in Cardiology. La Paz University Hospital, Madrid.

Scientific publications

Research focusing on cardiac electrophysiology, atrial fibrillation, interventional procedures and advanced treatment of arrhythmias, with involvement in international multicentre studies and consensus documents.

2026 | Castrejón-Castrejón S, Heeger C-H, Merino JL, et al. Stroke and systemic embolism following atrial fibrillation ablation: the EMBOL-AF Global Registry. Eur Heart J. 2026. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehag217
2025 | Merino JL, Tamargo J, Blomstrom-Lundqvist C, et al. Practical compendium of antiarrhythmic drugs: a clinical consensus statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association of the European Society of Cardiology. Europace. 2025. doi:10.1093/europace/euaf076
2025 | Castrejón-Castrejón S, Martínez Cossiani M, Merino JL, et al. High-Power Short-Duration Radiofrequency Application for Faster and Safer Pulmonary Vein Isolation: The POWER-FAST III Trial. JACC Clin Electrophysiol. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jacep.2024.10.009
2024 | Tzeis S, Gerstenfeld EP, Merino JL, et al. 2024 expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. 2024. doi:10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.03.017
2016 | Goette A, Merino JL, Ezekowitz MD, et al. Edoxaban versus enoxaparin-warfarin in patients undergoing cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (ENSURE-AF). Lancet. 2016. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31474-X

Areas of special focus

Clinical practice focusing on complex cardiac rhythm disorders, including:

  • Atrial fibrillation.
  • Atrial flutter.
  • Supraventricular tachycardias.
  • Ventricular tachycardias and prevention of sudden death.
  • Syncope and bradycardias.

Techniques and procedures

Application of advanced diagnostic and interventional techniques in electrophysiology, including:

  • Catheter ablation (pulsed field ablation (PFA), radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation).
  • Invasive electrophysiological and electropharmacological studies.
  • Implantation and follow-up of cardiac devices (pacemakers, defibrillators and resynchronisation devices).
  • Tilt table test.
  • Electrical cardioversion.

Accreditations and memberships

Membership of international scientific societies in the field of electrophysiology and cardiology, including:

  • World Society of Arrhythmias (WSA).
  • European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) – European Society of Cardiology (ESC).
  • Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC).

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