Many people wonder whether their symptoms are serious enough to see a cardiologist or whether they can be managed with routine care. I often meet patients who delayed seeking advice because they were unsure what was normal and what was not. Knowing when to see a cardiologist can lead to earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and greater peace of mind. Understanding the warning signs and risk factors helps you make an informed decision about your heart health. What Does a Cardi

Smoking is one of the most common questions patients raise when they are worried about their heart. As someone who works closely with people managing cardiovascular risk, I see first hand how powerful the effects of smoking can be on the heart and blood vessels. The impact often builds quietly over time, which means many people underestimate the harm until symptoms appear. Understanding how smoking affects heart health can help people make informed choices and take steps to

If you are applying for a Transport for London licence , you will need to complete a TFL medical test. Many patients come to us unsure about what this test involves, why it is required, or how to prepare for it. As someone who assesses people for heart and general health conditions every week, I understand how important it is to have clear guidance. This test is designed to ensure that drivers are fit to work safely, particularly when transporting passengers. Here is a simple

Cholesterol is something many patients ask about, especially when they are worried about heart health or cardiovascular risk. As someone who works closely with people managing conditions such as high blood pressure , angina , or a family history of heart disease , I see how understanding cholesterol can make a real difference. Cholesterol itself is not always harmful. The issue comes when levels become too high or unbalanced. Clear information helps people make better decisi

A stroke is a serious medical emergency that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted. As someone who works closely with cardiology patients. I see how important it is for people to understand what a stroke is, what causes it, and how to recognise early warning signs. Fast treatment helps protect brain function and increases the chances of a full recovery. Knowing how a stroke works, what symptoms to watch for, and how to reduce your persona

If you’re searching for a PoTS clinic in Surrey , you’re likely dealing with frustrating symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or a racing heart when standing. For many people, these symptoms go undiagnosed for years, often being confused with anxiety or low blood pressure. But for those with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), getting the right diagnosis and support can make a significant difference in quality of life. What Is PoTS? Postural Tachycardia Syndrome , or PoTS

If you’ve received a letter from the DVLA  asking for a medical test, or you're wondering whether you need one because of your health condition or licence type, you're not alone. A DVLA medical test  is something many drivers in the UK encounter at some point whether they’re applying for a new licence, renewing an old one, or reporting a medical issue. I’ll explain clearly who needs to do a medical test, what it involves, how it works under the NHS or privately, and what to e

If someone in your family has had heart disease , it’s completely natural to feel concerned about your own health. Whether it’s a parent who had a heart attack in their 50s or a sibling with high blood pressure, knowing your risk can be worrying. But it’s also a chance to take action. This will tell you what you should know if heart disease runs in your family, what tests are available, what lifestyle changes actually help, and when to speak to a cardiologist. Does Heart Dis

If you've been told you might need a coronary angioplasty , you’re not alone in feeling unsure about what that means. In simple terms, a coronary angioplasty is a medical procedure used to open up narrowed or blocked arteries in the heart. It helps restore normal blood flow to your heart muscle and is often used to treat coronary artery disease one of the most common heart conditions in the UK. This blog will explain what’s involved, who needs it, what recovery looks like, a

When we hear the term heart attack , it can be worrying and rightly so. But understanding what it actually is, how it happens, and what signs to look out for can help you respond quickly and take control of your heart health. I’ll explain in plain terms what a heart attack is, what causes it, and what you need to know if you’re at risk. What Happens During a Heart Attack? A heart attack  (also known medically as a myocardial infarction ) happens when the blood flow to a par

PoTS , or Postural Tachycardia Syndrome , is a condition that affects how your heart rate responds when you move from sitting or lying down to standing. In very simple terms, if you have PoTS, your heart beats too fast when you stand up much faster than it should and this can cause dizziness , fainting , and a range of other unpleasant symptoms. It’s a condition that’s often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. So, I want to explain what PoTS is, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed,

When I first speak to patients about managing heart conditions, one of the medications that often comes up is beta blockers . These are widely used in cardiology, but many people don't fully understand what they are, how they work, or what side effects to expect. So I will look at what exactly what beta blockers are, why they’re prescribed, and what you should know if you’re considering or already taking them. What Do Beta Blockers Actually Do? Beta blockers are a group of me

An electrocardiogram , more commonly referred to as an ECG, is a simple and quick test used to check the electrical activity of your heart. It’s one of the most common heart investigations offered both on the NHS and privately in the UK. If you've ever experienced chest pain , palpitations , dizziness, or shortness of breath , your doctor may have suggested an ECG to find out what’s going on. I’ll explain exactly what an electrocardiogram is, what it can show, how it's done,

One of the most common questions I’m asked in clinic is whether exercise can actually help prevent heart disease. And it’s a fair...

When people come to see me about their heart health, one of the first questions I ask is, “Does anyone in your family have a history of...

If you're wondering when to have a heart screening, the first thing to understand is what one actually involves. A heart screening is a...

If you’ve been told you need to book a DVLA medical test , you may be wondering what that actually involves, whether it’s urgent, and...

A CT Coronary Angiogram (CTCA)  is a type of heart scan that checks whether the arteries that supply your heart are narrowed or blocked....

Chest pain can be one of the most worrying symptoms we experience and understandably so. It’s often associated with heart problems , but...

If you’ve ever experienced chest discomfort, palpitations or felt lightheaded for no clear reason, you may have heard the term ECG test...