Private cardiology in Harley Street

Cardiology is a medical speciality that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders related to the heart and blood vessels. Cardiologists are highly trained physicians who specialise in managing conditions such as heart attacks, heart failure, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease. They utilise various diagnostic tests and procedures to assess cardiac health and develop personalised treatment plans for their patients. Additionally, cardiology plays a crucial role in promoting heart health through preventive measures like lifestyle modifications and risk factor management.

During a cardiology appointment, the cardiologist will typically review the patient's medical history and perform a relevant physical examination. They may also order diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), an echocardiogram, or a stress test to assess the overall cardiac function. Additionally, the cardiologist may discuss lifestyle changes, prescribe medications, or recommend further treatment options, including interventional and non-interventional procedures. Interventional procedures may include angioplasty or stenting to open blocked arteries, while non-interventional options may involve lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, or optimal medication for conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol. The cardiologist will also provide guidance on managing risk factors and offer preventive measures to maintain overall good heart health. 

If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat, it may be necessary to visit a cardiologist. Additionally, if you have a family history of heart disease or risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, seeking preventive care and screenings from a cardiologist is recommended. However, you may need to consult your primary care physician first, who can then refer you to a cardiologist if necessary. It is important to remember that only a medical professional can accurately assess your specific situation and determine if a visit to a cardiologist is needed. 

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a safe, non‐ invasive procedure that uses radio waves, a magnet and computer software to get two and three dimensional (3D) images of inside the body. Its main advantage is that it does not use radiation and can detect problems such as injuries and diseases in their early stages, especially in soft tissue. Our MRI scanner is the latest machine from Philips Imaging, it is called MRI Ingenia Elition 3T. It has 3 Tesla magnet strength and a 70cm diameter bore, which is bigger than other machine.

For patients comfort the MRI has ComforTone technology which reduces the loud noise of the equipment, Auto‐Voice function that automatically guides the patient through examination, ComfortPlus mattress that enhances patient comfort than a standard cushion, and the impressive In‐Bore AudioVisual Experience that patient can personalise by selecting a video theme, the video is projected onto the wall and viewed via a mirror, combined with sound the experience becomes truly immersive.

All our scans are safe and the MRI does not use ionising radiation so can be carried out without any negative effects. You will not feel any pain from our scanning machines and our team will do their utmost to make sure you feel as comfortable and at ease as possible during your scan.

You will be asked to fill in a safety questionnaire at the time of your scan to ensure you are safe to enter the MRI room to prevent any risks. If you are pregnant and in your first trimester you will not be able to undergo any diagnostic imaging as it can be harmful to unborn babies.

24 hours before:

- Eat normally but do not have anything that may contain caffeine for example, tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, or chocolate.

- You must not smoke or use products containing nicotine.

- Patients must refrain from using Viagra, Cialis or Levitra.

4 hours before:

- You must not eat solid food such as meat and vegetables, but yoghurt and oats will be fine.

- You can drink plenty of water or juice to keep hydrated.

On the day:

- Do not use lotion or oil on the chest area as this makes it difficult for the ECG electrodes to attach.

- If you are having an MRI Cardiac Stress Perfusion scan, please do not take your beta blocker medication

‐ Bisoprolol, Metoprolol, blood thinners

‐ Persantine (Dipyridomole), asthma medication‐ Theophylline / Aminophylline.

You will need to arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time. During this time, we will ask you to complete an MRI safety questionnaire. It is very important to be accurate when answering the questions. We may ask you to provide further information about any implants you may have before we know if it will be safe for you to have the scan. Once we have we have reviewed your questionnaire we will decide whether to go ahead with your scan.

You will be provided with a gown to change into. All metal, including jewellery, is prohibited due to the magnetic field in the scanning room. The radiographer will check that you have removed anything containing metal prior to your scan to ensure all safety requirements are met. You will have access to a locker for storing your belongings during the scan. Your vital signs will be checked ‐ heart rate, blood pressure, as well as your weight and height.

The scan will usually take approximately from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the examination protocol.

The radiographer will position you on a special couch. They may put a surface coil around the part of your body being scanned (for example, the chest). Surface coils act like an antenna to receive the radio waves from the MRI system.

Once you are in the correct position, the radiographer will move the couch until the area of your body being scanned is in the centre of the scanning machine’s magnetic field. The radiographer will be able to see, always hear and speak to you through an intercom and viewing window and will give you simple directions during the scan.

It is important that you stay completely still during the scan. The radiographer may even ask you to hold your breath at certain points. This is because movement can blur the images, making the scan less accurate. You will be able to communicate with the radiographer through an intercom at any point during the scan. As the main magnetic field strength is altered during the scan, electromagnetic coils produce a wide range of sounds throughout your scan including banging, buzzing and rumbling noises.

Some patients may need a contrast injection to help make the images clearer, usually in parts of the body which have poor natural contrast. Contrast is a special liquid that highlights body tissue to make subtle differences or disease easier to see and diagnose. The contrast will be injected through a small tube, called a cannula, in your arm.

Allergic reactions to contrast are rare. However, if you feel discomfort at any time during the scan, or if you feel sick, please inform the radiographer. If you are breastfeeding and require a contrast injection as part of your scan, you may wish to express milk ahead of your scan, as you are advised to stop breastfeeding for a period of 24 hours after you have had the contrast injection.

You may eat and drink as usual and return to your normal daily routine. If you had a contrast injection, we advise you to drink plenty of water fluids to help flush the contrast out of your urinary system. Please check the skin where we injected you for signs of infection (for example, redness, soreness or weeping) over the next 24 hours. It is normal to experience some bruising in the area where we injected you once the needle has been removed.

If you see any signs of infection, or if you experience any of the rare side effects, including nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, itchiness, or a rash on the body, please contact your doctor or visit a local A&E department immediately.

After your scan, if you are a private patient the radiographer will provide you with a CD of your images to take away. A radiologist will write a report and send it to the doctor or consultant who referred you, usually within 48 hours. It will contain a summary of the radiologist's findings and their recommendations for further follow‐up. You will need to arrange an appointment to discuss your report with the doctor or consultant who referred you for the scan.

The best cardiac screening tests vary depending on the individual's risk factors and medical history. Some commonly recommended tests include the electrocardiogram (ECG), stress test, echocardiogram, coronary CT, and coronary angiography. These tests help evaluate heart function, detect abnormalities, and assess the risk of heart disease or other cardiac conditions. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which screening tests are most appropriate for your specific situation. 

A cardiologist is a medical specialist who focuses specifically on diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions of the heart. On the other hand, "heart doctor" is a broader term that can refer to any healthcare professional, including cardiologists, who specialise in various aspects of heart health, such as cardiac surgery, cardiac electrophysiology, cardiac imaging, or interventional cardiology.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a global health issue that affects the heart and blood vessels. This category of diseases mainly includes conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming countless lives each year. Risk factors for developing CVD are numerous and include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, and leading a sedentary lifestyle. It's important to prioritise a healthy lifestyle and manage these risk factors to help prevent the onset of this deadly illness.

All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination, or procedure if they feel it is necessary. This chaperone may be a family member or friend. Sometimes it may be necessary for a formal chaperone (for example, a trained member of staff) to be present. Please let us know before your appointment if you would like a chaperone.