How Often Should You See a Cardiologist?

So how often should you if ever see a cardiologist?

If you’ve ever wondered, how often should you see a cardiologist? — you’re certainly not alone. It’s a common question I’m asked by patients all the time. Whether you’ve been managing a heart condition for years or you’re simply looking for peace of mind, knowing when and how often to see a heart specialist can make a real difference to your health.

Let’s break down what you need to know about seeing a cardiologist — when you should book an appointment, how frequently reviews are recommended, and how to stay on top of your heart health.

When Should You See a Cardiologist for the First Time?

Not everyone needs to see a cardiologist regularly — but there are certain signs, symptoms or risk factors that should prompt an initial review.

You should consider seeing a cardiologist if you experience:

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Shortness of breath, especially during activity

• Palpitations or irregular heartbeats

• Dizziness or fainting episodes

• High blood pressure that’s hard to control

• A family history of heart disease, stroke, or sudden cardiac death

• Raised cholesterol or cardiovascular risk factors

• Diabetes — which increases the risk of heart problems

Even if you feel completely well, but have a combination of risk factors (like high cholesterol, being overweight, and family history), it can still be wise to book a cardiology review for reassurance and prevention. You can also get yourself a QRISK score which will tell you the chances of developing a form of heart disease. More information is here. We also made an instagram video on some lads that came into the clinic to get some QRISK scores here.

How Often Should You See a Cardiologist?

This depends on several things — including your health status, your risk of developing heart disease, and whether you already have a diagnosed heart condition.

Here’s a helpful guide based on different patient groups:

1. For Patients Without Heart Disease (Low Risk)

If you’ve had a heart check with no problems found — and you’re otherwise healthy — you may not need to see a cardiologist regularly.

However, if you’re over 40, I’d recommend having a heart check every 3-5 years to assess your risk. This might include:

• Blood tests (for cholesterol, glucose)

• Blood pressure monitoring

• ECG

• Lifestyle assessment

You can check your 10-year cardiovascular risk score using tools like the NHS QRISK Calculator.

2. For Patients With Risk Factors (Moderate Risk)

If you have raised cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a family history of early heart disease — but no current heart symptoms — it’s a good idea to have a review every 1-2 years.

During these appointments, we would:

• Reassess your cardiovascular risk

• Update any blood tests

• Consider an echocardiogram or heart scan if necessary

• Provide lifestyle advice and medication reviews

At Heartsure, we offer these comprehensive heart checks at our Surrey clinic, designed to keep patients on track with prevention.

3. For Patients With Heart Disease (High Risk)

If you have a diagnosed heart condition — such as:

• Coronary artery disease

• Angina

• Arrhythmia

• Atrial fibrillation

• Heart failure

• Valve disease

• Cardiomyopathy

— then you should expect to see your cardiologist at least once or twice per year.

For more complex conditions, or if symptoms change, more frequent follow-up may be necessary — sometimes every 3-6 months.

These reviews help us monitor:

• Medication effectiveness

• Heart function (via echocardiograms or scans)

• Blood pressure and cholesterol control

• Any new or worsening symptoms

What Happens During a Cardiologist Review?

A typical heart review at Heartsure in Surrey will involve:

• A detailed discussion of symptoms and lifestyle

• Blood pressure and heart rate checks

• Blood tests if needed

• ECG recording

• Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) if indicated

• Review of current medications

• Personalised advice on diet, exercise, and prevention

We also offer additional testing like 24-hour ECG monitoring, stress tests or CT coronary angiograms if required.

For more information about the types of tests we offer, read: What Tests Should I Do for Heart Disease?

Why Are Regular Reviews Important?

Heart conditions often develop gradually, sometimes without obvious symptoms. Seeing a cardiologist regularly means:

• We can detect problems early — before they become serious

• Medications can be adjusted as your health changes

• Lifestyle advice can be updated to reflect your current needs

• You get peace of mind about your heart health

For patients with established heart disease, regular follow-up is vital to prevent complications like heart attacks, strokes or worsening heart failure.

Can You See a Cardiologist Privately?

Yes — many people choose to see a cardiologist privately for faster access, flexibility, and personalised care.

At Heartsure, our private cardiology services in Surrey offer:

• Same-week appointments

• Consultant-led reviews

• On-site ECG, echocardiogram, and blood testing

• Personalised risk assessment and treatment plans

• Ongoing heart health monitoring

If you’d like to discuss your heart health or book a consultation, contact us here.

Final Thoughts

So, how often should you see a cardiologist? The answer depends on your risk, symptoms, and medical history — but as a guide use this.

Your heart is one of your most important organs — regular reviews, even when you feel well, can help prevent problems and keep you living well for longer.

If you’re in Surrey and would like a heart health review or specialist advice, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Heartsure.