Personal Profile
Personal Profile
Dr Nigel Stephens is a Consultant Cardiologist, who was head hunted from Cambridge University, where he was a Lecturer in Medicine, to lead a newly built Cardiac Centre in Northwick Park Hospital more than 20 years ago. This service became successful, high performing and has had excellent outcomes. He brings these same qualities to his private practice and provides accessible, personalized care for people with heart disease. He is particularly committed to helping people return to a fully active life following episodes of serious illness, so they can enjoy the benefits of physical activity and exercise.
Dr Stephens provide all aspects of cardiology care for patients over the age of 16. This includes valvular heart disease, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, heart rhythm abnormalities and interventional cardiology (coronary angioplasty and stents). There is an excellent relationship with a group of colleagues centred in a Multi-Disciplinary Team meeting in Northwick Park Hospital, where onward referral for specialist cardiac surgery, electrophysiology and treatment of grown up congenital heart disease is considered in a weekly meeting, chaired by myself.
He provides all aspects of care in complex interventional cardiology including use of intracoronary ultrasound rotational atherectomy and mitral balloon valvuloplasty. He gained considerable experience in the issues around heart disease in athletes by establishing a sports cardiology service with Professor Greg White, based in the Olympic Medical Institute. Over 10 years, the team saw more than 1,000 athletes referred with cardiac issues. Dr Stephens has a particular interest in the interpretation of apparently abnormal findings in athlete’s hearts, along with assessment of the safety to continue to play in competitive sports in athletes with established heart disease. This has become an increasingly complex issue as common cardiovascular diseases tend to occur later in life while many people still wish to take part and compete in sporting activities.
He has cared for patients who continue to play sport following heart attack, angioplasty, treated hypertension, mild heart failure and heart rhythm disorders. There is a particular affinity for this patient group, as he continues to enjoy a high level of competitive sport in track cycling and have competed successfully as international with World Championship silver and bronze medals, and a European Championship gold medal in masters track cycling.
