Dr Mark Philip Cassar is a Consultant Cardiologist at Circle Health Group, seeing patients at Hampshire Clinic. He also holds a substantive NHS post at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where he works across Basingstoke and Winchester. Dr Cassar sees both self pay and insured patients, offering clear, expert advice tailored to each individual’s needs.

Dr Cassar is recognised nationally for his expertise in cardiac imaging. He is one of the very few cardiologists in the United Kingdom to hold the highest level of professional accreditation in all three major heart imaging techniques: echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and cardiac CT. This means he can personally choose, perform, and interpret the most appropriate test for each patient, rather than relying on a single imaging method or external reports. For patients, this approach offers real benefits. It allows for faster diagnosis, fewer unnecessary tests, and a clearer understanding of what is happening with their heart. It also means that investigations and treatment plans are closely aligned, with decisions made by a consultant who has seen and interpreted the results first hand.

Dr Cassar completed his cardiology specialty training and Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford, qualifying in 2012. His doctoral research focused on how viral infections affect the heart, using advanced cardiac MRI techniques. This work led to publications in leading international medical journals and presentations at major European conferences. He has since published more than 50 peer reviewed papers and contributed to cardiology textbooks, ensuring his clinical practice remains grounded in the latest research and evidence.

Dr Cassar holds several national and international leadership roles in cardiac imaging and has received awards for both clinical excellence and academic contribution. His NHS practice is well regarded, and his work helps set standards for cardiac imaging across the UK.

Alongside his clinical work, Dr Cassar plays an important role in improving cardiac services locally. He has secured over £400,000 in funding to modernise echocardiography services across Hampshire Hospitals, including the introduction of new scanning equipment. He is also a committed educator, training doctors and sonographers and acting as a national examiner in echocardiography.

Patients value Dr Cassar’s calm, thorough approach. Consultations are unhurried and focus on understanding the whole person, not just test results. He takes time to explain diagnoses and treatment options in clear, accessible language, helping patients feel informed and confident in their decisions about their care.

Why choose Dr Cassar?

• Accreditation across echocardiography, cardiac MRI and cardiac CT
• Evidence based care informed by active research and teaching
• Clear explanations and personalised treatment plans

Patient-centred cardiac care

Dr Cassar has a particular interest in using advanced heart imaging to support accurate diagnosis and early treatment. This is especially valuable for patients with complex or unclear symptoms, such as breathlessness, chest pain, or palpitations. His expertise allows him to assess heart structure, function, and blood flow in detail, helping guide treatment decisions with confidence.

Dr Cassar works closely with cardiac physiologists, specialist nurses, radiographers, and fellow consultants. This collaborative approach ensures patients benefit from joined up care, particularly when ongoing monitoring or multiple investigations are required.

Dr Cassar remains involved throughout the patient journey, from diagnosis to follow up. He places strong emphasis on clear aftercare plans, risk factor management, and long term heart health, helping patients stay well beyond their initial treatment.

Education and reputation

• Cardiology specialty training and DPhil at the University of Oxford
• National examiner for transthoracic echocardiography
• Regular trainer and mentor for cardiology professionals

Clinical interests

Cardiology

• Valvular heart disease
• Advanced echocardiography (transthoracic, transoesophageal, stress, bubble)
• Cardiac MRI
• Cardiac CT
• Heart failure and cardiomyopathy
• Chest pain and coronary artery disease
• Palpitations and heart rhythm disorders
• Hypertension
• High cholesterol and cardiovascular risk assessment
• Breathlessness
• Pre-operative cardiac assessment
• Pericardial disease
• Preventive cardiology

Useful links

https://thehampshirecardiologist.co.uk/

 

• British Society of Cardiovascular Imaging (Executive Committee Member)
• British Society of Echocardiography (Taskforce and Leadership Working Group Member, National Transthoracic Echocardiography Examiner, BSE Mentor)
• European Society of Cardiology (United Kingdom Echocardiography Representative)
• British Cardiovascular Society
• Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
• British Society of Cardiovascular CT