Cardiology in Reading

The cardiology department at Circle Reading Hospital provides expert diagnosis and management of heart conditions and related problems with the blood vessels (vascular system).

Our state-of-the-art, modern hospital provides the relaxing space needed for medical consultations, diagnostic tests and treatment.

In addition, our cardiology department draws on the experience of leading consultants who are able to deliver the breadth of medical management needed within this specialty. Where required, we are able to refer on to expert cardiothoracic surgeons for highly-specialist open cardiac surgery.

Our expert approach to providing cardiology services mean that your problems will be clearly listened to, ensuring the most suitable medical investigations for each problem are carried out with no waiting lists - just pay for the treatment you need or claim on health insurance.

We strive to give our patients a unique understanding of their condition, management options and full control over their condition with follow-up appointments scheduled to monitor relevant disease markers.

Cardiology refers to the branch of medicine which investigates, diagnoses, monitors and treats diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Blood vessels that cardiologists may treat include the coronary arteries, which supply the heart muscle with oxygenated blood.

Alternatively, a cardiologist may be involved in the care of blood vessels away from the heart, commonly in the pelvis and lower limbs. Cardiac conditions have many causes, including genetic factors, lifestyle factors including diet and exercise habits as well as other health conditions.

Do you suffer from one of these common cardiac problems?

• Angina
• Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• Heart failure
• Heart valve disease
• Congenital heart disease
• Disorders of the heart rhythm (termed arrhythmias)

Symptoms of cardiac conditions may be fairly generic across a number of conditions and may include a number of the following problems:

• Shortness of breath
• Pain or heavy feeling (normally radiating in to the left arm)
• Symptoms of indigestion
• Sweating, nausea or dizziness
• History of fainting
• Swelling to the ankles

Due to the non-specific nature of many of these symptoms, cardiologists will often use a number of medical tests to exclude or accurately diagnose the causes of heart disease. Only once a diagnosis is confirmed will treatment begin.

Cardiology treatments often include a combination of non-invasive solutions, drug management and possible invasive/interventional procedures.

Cardiologists do not perform open heart surgery but some interventional cardiologists may perform smaller operations to treat certain conditions.

The cost of a private cardiology appointment at Circle Reading Hospital varies depending on the type of consultation and whether any investigations or procedures are required. As a guide, an initial consultation with a cardiologist starts at around £200.

If diagnostic tests are needed, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or echocardiogram these are charged separately. We will always provide a full, written cost estimate before proceeding with any tests or treatments, ensuring complete transparency.

Private medical insurance often covers cardiology appointments and procedures when medically necessary. Our advisors can liaise directly with your insurer to confirm your level of cover. For self-pay patients, we offer flexible finance options so you can spread the cost of your care.

The time taken for a cardiology test will depend on which type of test you're having and can also differ depending on the symptoms being investigated. Each test is very different, for example an ECG may take just five to ten minutes, an echocardiogram takes more like 30-40 minutes, and an ambulatory ECG monitor usually needs to be worn for at least 24 hours.

Circle Reading Hospital's cardiology unit is able to draw on the experience of a number of the UK’s leading cardiology consultants. This enables our unit to offer the full spectrum of diagnostics and treatments needed to monitor and treat cardiac disease. Furthermore, our hospitals are able to offer appointments at short notice and with flexible, convenient times with our leading experts.

Our relevant diagnostic procedures may be booked immediately following your initial consultation and our comprehensive diagnostics utilize the very latest in imaging and interventional technology.

Undergoing necessary diagnostic interventions and treatment for cardiac diseases can be a stressful experience and we understand this. Circle Health plans and carries out thousands of appointments and medical interventions each week.

With experience, we have developed an excellence in our non-clinical care to match our expertise in clinical care to relieve your worries and allow streamlines patient journeys from appointments to diagnostics, treatments and any onward referrals to other specialities.

Cardiology treatment services include lifestyle management, specialist medication and invasive interventions such as angioplasty with no waiting list. To support our comprehensive and holistic treatment approach for our patient is a wealth of experienced professionals to help our patients make lifestyle adjustments around weight management, nutrition and exercise levels.

These include specialist dieticians, physiotherapists and exercise physiologists who provide much-needed guidance, support and monitoring throughout your care with our cardiology unit.

In some cases, it may be that our cardiologists recommend more extensive vascular or cardiac surgery. Our specialists maintain a close working relationship with these departments and are able to refer onwards as needed.

Not only is our cardiology clinical care second to none, but your treatment will be conducted in a modern, clean facility which you are able to feel comfortable in throughout your treatment.

To book your initial consultation with one of our cardiologists near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.