Specialists

Cardiology

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Cardiology

What is Cardiology?

Cardiology is the study of the heart and blood vessels. A Cardiologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions related to problems with the heart including conditions that you may be born with and conditions that develop during life.

The Cardiologist will carry out tests, and they may perform some procedures, such as angioplasty, inserting a pacemaker, or carry out special imaging such as CT angiography as a non-invasive way of assessing your blood vessels around your heart.

Symptoms and conditions

Literature on this site is for information purposes only, please do not use it to self-diagnose or any form of self-treatment. We recommend that you see a registered healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment plan.

Symptoms that can indicate a heart problem include:

shortness of breath
dizziness
chest pains
changes in heart rate or rhythm
high blood pressure

Possible symptoms:

Chest tightness or pressure, pain in your arms, neck or jaw during exercise, fatigue, shortness of breath which settles after rest.
Feeling your heart race, jump or flutter; irregular pulse, chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath
Feeling your heart race or jump, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, swollen ankles, chest pain
Severe pain in your tummy or back, feeling cold, clammy, breathless, fainting
Feeling your heart race or jump , dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue
Usually symptomless but headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, dizziness can occur if very high blood pressure
Central crushing pain in your chest, pain in your arm, neck or jaw. Sweating, clammy, nausea, shortness of breath

Related conditions:

Angina
Atrial Fibrillation
Cardiomyopathy
Abdominal aortic aneurysm - rupture
Abnormal heart rhythm
High blood pressure
Heart attack

Tests & investigations

Examples of tests done in Cardiology

ECG

This is a non-invasive test test that can show the heart rate and rhythm and detect abnormal rhythms such as atrial fibrillation that may be occurring at that moment or a strain on the heart which could indicate a heart attack.

Echocardiography

This is a heart scan done using some gel on your chest and a probe that can show the structure of the heart and the valves. It is a non-invasive test. This scan can show if there are any problems with your heart valves, fluid around your heart or, problems with the heart muscle such as Cardiomyopathy.

Lipids blood test

A blood test to check cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke when taken into account of other risk factors.

24hr blood pressure monitoring

This involves you wearing a blood pressure monitor to check blood pressure readings regularly over a 24 hour period. As blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day and due to factors such as stress, dehydration and pain – it gives us an idea of your average blood pressure which is a better measure than a single reading.

24 hr ECG monitor

This is a wearable ECG monitor to check heart rate and rhythm over 24hours. It can pick up on short episodes of abnormalities with the heart rhythm and is a good test to do when you are having symptoms of palpitations to see if the physical symptoms are associated with electrical changes in the heart.

Cardiac Catheterisation

This is an invasive procedure which involves a small cut being made in the skin and insertion of a small tube into a blood vessel which is then pushed around to be close the vessels around the heart. It can take pictures and check the functioning of the heart and the electrical system. It can also detect any blockages and treat them to remove obstruction to blood flow around the heart.

What's involved?

Consultation Process

Symptom assessment

The consultant will ask you to describe your symptoms and concerns and take a medical history.

Physical examination

The consultant will carry out an appropriate physical examination.

Tests and investigations

The consultant will arrange appropriate tests and investigations such as blood tests and imaging.

Our Specialists

Dr Ayyas Sultan Consultant Interventional Cardiologist & Honorary Senior Lecturer

Dr Ayyaz Sultan is a Consultant Cardiologist with a wide experience in treating all aspects of adult heart disease. He o...

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“I would like to thank you once again for helping me to get a swift diagnosis about the condition of my heart. In a world where talk is even cheaper than it used to be, your positive action on my behalf was over and above the call of duty, and I am truly grateful. ”

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