Cardiology in Windsor

Cardiologists specialise in the treatment of any conditions related to the heart or blood vessels. Any signs of chest pains and palpitations can be especially worrying due to the potentially serious nature of the associated conditions.

You’ll therefore appreciate an appointment with an expert in the field, who can see you at your earliest convenience for a swift and accurate assessment.

Providing reassurance and rapid diagnosis for patients based in Windsor, Maidenhead, Ascot and the surrounding areas, our cardiologists at Princess Margaret can provide you with a personalised treatment plan to address your symptoms and bring you relief.

There tend to be 5 main areas of symptoms our cardiologists see at Princess Margaret:

• Palpitations (racing of the heart or irregular heartbeat, which could indicate underlying heart rhythm disorder)
• Chest pain (which could indicate blocked arteries, known as ‘angina’)
• Breathlessness (can suggest ‘angina’ or ‘heart failure’)
• Dizziness / Light headedness / Fainting (which could indicate a heart rhythm disorder)
• Ankle or leg swelling (potentially due to ‘heart failure’)

You may also wish to see a specialist for reassurance, even if you haven’t been experiencing symptoms.

If you have a family history of heart disease, such as coronary artery disease, or you have issues such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, seeing a specialist for a wellness check may help to ease any of your concerns.

Many cardiovascular issues can be managed effectively with tablets. Your consultant can help you weigh up the risks and benefits of a medical approach over interventional treatments, especially as there may be no greater risk of heart attack with tablet therapy than a surgical approach.

Lifestyle factors can play a huge role in the management of your condition, and your consultant can direct you towards a dietician for expert advice, as well as outlining all the benefits of a regular exercise regime.

They may also be able to suggest ways of reducing stress levels if stress has played a significant role in your symptoms. Interventional measures such as the placement of a stent or an angioplasty (procedure to open blocked arteries) can be considered for the right candidates, and your consultant will lead you through all the necessary preparation for surgery at another facility, if applicable.

Your initial consultation at The Princess Margaret will begin with your consultant asking for a detailed medical history, as well as an outline of the symptoms you’ve been experiencing. They may ask you questions such as:

• What symptoms have you noticed?
• How long have you had these symptoms?
• Have you had any previous heart concerns?
• Do you have a family history of heart problems?
• Are your symptoms provoked by exertion/exercise?
• Have your symptoms been getting increasingly frequent?
• Have you received any other treatment yet?

Your consultant will also assess your risk factors, which include high blood pressure, diabetes, whether you drink heavily or smoke, as well as your genetic history (specifically looking at your ‘first degree’ family, i.e. parents and siblings). A clinical examination will follow this, with your consultant listening to your heart and lungs, and they will likely check your blood pressure.

A large majority of patients need no further investigations, and your consultant can reassure you that nothing concerning has been found. Occasionally, other investigations can be used just to be sure. For patients with high cholesterol or high blood pressure, your consultant can advise you on whether or not you should take preventative medication to help combat any future concerns.

Diagnostic scans will be required if you have reported any of the notable symptoms of a heart condition, such as chest pain, shortness of breath or palpitations.

The typical test in the first instance is an ECG (Electrocardiogram), where electrodes are fitted to the front of the chest, measuring the electrical signals of the heart.

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart to highlight the valves and muscles, and is particularly useful when investigating heart failure.

Patients with palpitations may need a heart rhythm monitor, which is a useful test used to record your heart rhythm over a period of 24-48 hours (although variations are available to record up to 7 days, depending on your needs). These tend to be sent out to your home address, allowing you to carry on with your normal day-to-day activities while the equipment records your heartbeat, which can then be assessed by your consultant.

Those with chest pain/coronary artery concerns will either undergo a Stress Echocardiogram (where your heart rhythm is monitored while you exercise on a treadmill) or a CT Coronary Angiogram. Having placed your heart under stress with the guidance of your consultant, this can often provide confidence and reassurance that you can continue your normal routine without fear. These specialist scans will take place at another site, but will be overseen by your chosen consultant.

Once all investigations are complete, you will meet with your consultant again for a follow-up, where you will be presented with options for your personalised treatment plan, which is always evidence-based, taking into account your goals for recovery.

Choosing to have your cardiology care at Princess Margaret comes with a host of benefits, such as:

• Assessments ASAP – Certain cardiovascular conditions are best treated at the earliest possible stage. If you’ve been experiencing any of the associated symptoms, our consultants can see you for an assessment without delay, getting you an accurate diagnosis rapidly and the necessary treatment before your symptoms progress any further.
• Patient Satisfaction – 97.9% of patients in 2020 said they would happily recommend Princess Margaret Hospital to friends and family in an independent report, and we’re confident that you’ll agree. 98% also said that the quality of care here at Princess Margaret Hospital was either ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’. We aim to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible, and these results highlight our continued efforts to ensure this is achieved.
• Personalised Care – We believe in a bespoke approach to treatment, tailoring each experience to our patients’ needs and whatever may be best for you. This is regularly reviewed, ensuring you get the necessary treatment at every stage of your patient journey.
• Depth of Experience – Our cardiologists have extensive experience and are accredited by the BCS (British Cardiovascular Society), which ensures a high standard of excellence in care and treatment. If appropriate, they can also recognise and direct your care to another specialist if your diagnosis reveals any other issues.
• A Multidisciplinary Approach – Our teams at Princess Margaret work in tandem with each other to provide you with the best possible care from start to finish. Working closely with colleagues in Respiratory Medicine, alongside specialist radiographers, anaesthetists, and nurses, your consultants have access to a wide network for complex issues, ensuring you have expert support every step of the way during your treatment.
• Convenient Appointments – With appointments available at dedicated clinics from Monday to Saturday, you are sure to find an appointment slot that suits your needs and availability.

If symptoms of breathlessness and chest pain have been concerning you, or you have a pre-existing heart condition that needs managing, why not book a consultation with one of our specialists today? Our consultants can outline all treatment options for you promptly, arranging any necessary diagnostic scans, treatment and surgery if required.

For peace of mind and expert care, book an appointment online now.