Cardiology

Cardiac means ‘relating to the heart’. Cardiology is the specialised area of medicine that investigates and treats diseases and disorders of the heart and blood vessels. A doctor who specialises in this area is known as a Consultant Cardiologist.

The cardiovascular system is incredibly complex, with many different processes and functions. Unfortunately, cardiovascular problems are quite common. While some conditions can be treated fairly simply and quickly, others will require long-term treatment and management. These kinds of conditions can have a significant effect on physical, mental and emotional health.

Some of the common cardiovascular problems the Consultant Cardiologists at The Blackheath see and help treat include:

• Angina and heart attacks
• Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia)
• Valvular heart disease
• Heart failure – despite its name, this does not mean the heart has stopped working! Instead, heart failure occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump blood around the body as well as it should
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Coronary artery disease – the blood vessels supplying the heart become narrowed or blocked
• Cardiomyopathy – disease of the heart muscle

Many cardiovascular problems will get worse over time if left untreated, making early diagnosis and fast, easy access to the best treatment vital for long-term health and quality of life.

The complexity of your cardiovascular system and the fact that it’s spread throughout every part of your body means that diagnosis can often involve a number of investigations and tests.

When you first meet with your Consultant Cardiologist here at The Blackheath, they will take a medical history and ask you about your symptoms. They will want to learn:

• What symptoms you have?
• How long you’ve had them for?
• Whether they’ve been getting worse over time?
• If there is any obvious triggers for your symptoms (for example, food, activity)?
• Whether you’ve received any type of treatment already, such as pain relief medication?

People visit our Consultants for help with a variety of symptoms. Most commonly, these are:

• Chest pain
• Breathlessness
• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Collapsing
• Loss of Consciousness (syncope)

All of these can be worrying to experience, and it’s important to get them properly investigated. There are a number of useful diagnostic tests that can be used for cardiovascular problems:

• ECG - measures the electrical activity of your heart
• Holter monitor/ Patch Monitor - an ECG carried out over a longer period of time (usually between 1 – 14 days)
• Exercise/Stress Test – heart rate and blood pressure are monitored during supervised activity (normally riding an exercise bike or walking on a treadmill) to measure how well your heart is able to function at different activity levels
• Blood pressure monitoring – normally carried out over a 24-hour period
• Tilt test – by tilting you on a special table while monitoring heart rate and blood pressure, postural problems can be detected
• Echocardiography - an Ultrasound scan of the heart to check the structure and function of the heart
• Transoesophageal echocardiogram – an Ultrasound probe is passed down your oesophagus (food pipe) to provide a clearer view of the heart
• Coronary angiography and CT coronary angiography – X-ray imaging of the blood vessels that supply the heart (the coronary arteries)
• Cardiac MRI – imaging of the heart using an MRI scan
• Coronary calcium score assessment – measures calcium levels in the walls of your arteries. This can help to detect early signs of coronary artery diseases

Your Consultant will arrange any tests needed to ensure a thorough investigation and an accurate diagnosis. While many of them can be carried out at The Blackheath, some may need to be arranged off-site by your Consultant.

Once the results of any investigations are known, your Consultant will discuss them with you and outline treatment options.

Treatment for cardiovascular conditions may involve:

• Watchful waiting – regular monitoring of symptoms
• Exercise and/or changes to diet
• Medication
• A cardiac procedure

Procedures for heart conditions include:

• Coronary angioplasty and stenting
• Coronary angiography
• Loop recorder implantation (ILR)
• Pacemaker implantation
• Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRTP / CRTD)
• Implantable cardio defibrillators (ICD)
• Catheter ablation

Whatever treatment you need, your Consultant will carefully plan it to ensure it is tailored to your specific requirements. Regular follow-up allows careful monitoring of how effective treatment is. If adjustments are needed to medication, these are easily made.

If your symptoms re-occur, or if you have any questions or concerns at any time, it is easy to arrange a time to see your Consultant again for advice.

People trust the heart specialists at The Blackheath Hospital for expert assessment and treatment of their cardiovascular concerns. Most people we see have been referred by their GP or private medical insurance provider, while others have been recommended to us by a friend or family member.

When you choose The Blackheath Hospital for help with your cardiovascular condition, you will benefit from:

• Access to an expert, fast - Earlier intervention for many heart conditions can help to lower the risk of potential health complications in the future. For any heart symptoms that are causing you concern, you’ll appreciate being able to get help as soon as possible. We can arrange an appointment for you with an experienced Consultant Cardiologist quickly.

• Appointments to suit your life – With Cardiology appointments available throughout the week, it’s easy to schedule a time that’s convenient for you. Cardiology consultations are usually carried out in person here at The Blackheath, but we can provide remote consultations via telephone or video call where required (and where clinically appropriate).

• Bespoke treatment – Heart conditions require a tailored approach to treatment to ensure you receive the best results possible. Regular review means that treatment can be easily adjusted when required to continue delivering you safe, effective relief of symptoms.

• Multidisciplinary team - Your Consultant Cardiologist is supported by a team of other healthcare professionals, including radiologists, nurses, physiotherapists. Complex cases can be discussed with other specialists within a multidisciplinary team meeting to structure the best treatment plan for you.

• Peace of mind – In an independent survey, 97.9% of the people we treated said they were likely or highly likely to recommend us to their friends and family.

 If any type of heart condition is causing you anxiety or concern, it is good to know that expert help is available, fast.

If you are looking for private Cardiology assessment or treatment in and around London, book your appointment online today.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Blackheath Hospital soon.