Cardiologists specialise in the treatment of anything related to the heart and blood vessels.
Symptoms associated with heart problems can be particularly worrying due to the potentially serious nature of these conditions. With the added stress and anxiety these symptoms can cause, you won’t want to be left with unanswered questions and uncertainty. A rapid assessment and accurate diagnosis from an experienced cardiologist is therefore of the utmost importance.
If you are concerned about any symptoms, our cardiologists at The Ridgeway Hospital can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and the assurance of a personalised treatment plan to address your symptoms and bring you relief. Along with local Swindon patients, it’s no wonder people travel from Cirencester, Newbury, Chippenham and Devizes for the expert care on offer at The Ridgeway Hospital. Symptoms of heart disease may include:
- Palpitations (racing of the heart)
- Dizzines
- Light headedness
- Chest pain
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 high cholesterol, a wellness check may help put your mind at ease.
Occasionally, other specialties will refer you to Cardiology, especially if any concerns have arisen during your pre-operative assessment, providing reassurance to you and your surgeon prior to your surgery.
Your symptoms may indicate conditions of the heart, such as:
- Heart failure
- Heart Attack
- Angina (clogging of the arteries, causing chest pain)
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
- Heart valve disease
- High blood pressure
- Cardiomyopathy (thickening of the heart walls)
- Congenital heart conditions (abnormalities from birth)
- Inherited/family heart conditions
It can be worrying for anyone to receive a diagnosis of a heart condition, but our experienced cardiologists can offer reassurance, with a streamlined route to recovery in a swift manner.
Particular areas of excellence at The Ridgeway Hospital include:
- Heart failure
- Heart valve disease
- Microvascular angina
- Pace makers
- The detection, prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease
Whatever your concern, whatever your condition, our cardiologists will find the right course of action for you, based on in-depth investigations and evidence-based treatment.
Available at The Ridgeway Hospital for patients with arrythmia, a procedure known as cardioversion can help restore your regular heartbeat. This involves a general anaesthetic, during which small electric shocks are given to the heart. This is often very effective, and your consultant can advise if this procedure is appropriate for you.
Many conditions can be managed effectively with prescription medication, which can be picked up on-site at our dedicated pharmacy. Other conditions may require surgical intervention, such as the placement of a stent (to keep open a blocked coronary artery) or a pacemaker, which can be arranged elsewhere by your consultant.
One of the major benefits of seeing us privately at The Ridgeway Hospital is that all appointments are consultant-led and consultant delivered. This means when you choose your consultant, you will see them face to face for a personalised full service, ensuring high quality care is delivered at all times.
Your initial consultation at The Ridgeway Hospital 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?
Do your symptoms get worse after exertion/exercise?
Have your symptoms been getting increasingly frequent?
Have you received any other treatment yet?
A physical examination will follow this, and your consultant will likely check your blood pressure. 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, and these can be arranged on-site.
The standard exam for anyone with cardiovascular symptoms is an ECG (Electrocardiogram). This involves sensors being placed on your arms, legs, and chest, which track the electrical activity of your heart, showing how quickly your heart beats. This is often done during your initial consultation, and no preparation is needed beforehand. An ECG can detect a variety of heart diseases, such as arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, coronary heart disease and heart attacks.
Blood tests may be taken to measure your blood levels and assess for certain conditions, and these tests will be sent to the lab for analysis.
Further investigative tests can then be arranged if necessary, and your consultant will oversee these with you. Potential tests include:
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?
Do your symptoms get worse after exertion/exercise?
Have your symptoms been getting increasingly frequent?
Have you received any other treatment yet?
A physical examination will follow this, and your consultant will likely check your blood pressure. 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, and these can be arranged on-site.
The standard exam for anyone with cardiovascular symptoms is an ECG (Electrocardiogram). This involves sensors being placed on your arms, legs, and chest, which track the electrical activity of your heart, showing how quickly your heart beats. This is often done during your initial consultation, and no preparation is needed beforehand. An ECG can detect a variety of heart diseases, such as arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, coronary heart disease and heart attacks.
Blood tests may be taken to measure your blood levels and assess for certain conditions, and these tests will be sent to the lab for analysis.
Further investigative tests can then be arranged if necessary, and your consultant will oversee these with you. Potential tests include:
Echocardiogram (ultrasound scan of the heart)
Ambulatory Heart Monitoring
CT Coronary Angiogram (dye injection through a catheter to highlight blocked arteries)
Once all results are back, your consultant will be able to make a confirmed diagnosis, and they will see you for a follow-up appointment in order to discuss the findings, allowing them to explain your condition to you and outline potential treatment plans.
If medication is required, you can pick up any necessary prescription at our on-site pharmacy, allowing you to get started on treatment right away. If more invasive measures are needed, such as surgery, your consultant can discuss your options with you and help you prepare.
Choosing to have your cardiology care at The Ridgeway Hospital comes with a host of benefits, such as:
Assessments ASAP – Certain cardiovascular conditions are best diagnosed at the earliest possible stage. If you’ve been experiencing any of the associated symptoms, our cardiologists can see you for an assessment without delay, getting you an accurate diagnosis rapidly (with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment) and the necessary treatment before your symptoms progress any further.
Patient Satisfaction – 96.4% of patients in 2020 said they would happily recommend The Ridgeway Hospital to friends and family in an independent report, and we’re confident that you’ll agree. 96.3% also said that the quality of care here at The Ridgeway 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 The Ridgeway Hospital 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 cardiologists 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, please contact The Ridgeway Hospital to book an appointment now.
Assessments ASAP – Certain cardiovascular conditions are best diagnosed at the earliest possible stage. If you’ve been experiencing any of the associated symptoms, our cardiologists can see you for an assessment without delay, getting you an accurate diagnosis rapidly (with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment) and the necessary treatment before your symptoms progress any further.
Patient Satisfaction – 96.4% of patients in 2020 said they would happily recommend The Ridgeway Hospital to friends and family in an independent report, and we’re confident that you’ll agree. 96.3% also said that the quality of care here at The Ridgeway 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 The Ridgeway Hospital 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 cardiologists 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, please contact The Ridgeway Hospital to book an appointment now.
