Who really needs a coronary calcium scan?
A coronary calcium scan can clarify heart risk when a decision about prevention is finely balanced. New research suggests it adds little for many people, and it is not a test for anyone with symptoms.
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Heart health articles
Clear, practical information on cardiac symptoms, conditions and tests — written to help you understand your heart health and know when to seek advice.
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What are the stages of heart failure?
Heart failure is described in stages, from being at risk (stage A) to advanced disease (stage D). This guide explains each stage, how symptoms are graded and what the 2026 European guidelines change.
Can Weight-Loss Injections Prevent a Heart Attack or Stroke?
Weight-loss injections containing semaglutide are now recommended by NICE to help prevent heart attacks and strokes in certain people with cardiovascular disease. This article explains how they work and who might be eligible.
Is an Echocardiogram the Same as an ECG?
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart, while an ECG records its electrical activity. Both are safe, non-invasive tests but serve distinct purposes.
Adult Congenital Heart Disease: What You Need to Know
Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) is a group of conditions where heart defects present from birth continue to require management in adulthood. Our consultant-led clinic provides personalised care and monitoring for patients living with these conditions.
Why is an ECG Test Done?
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a common and valuable test that helps your cardiologist understand your heart's rhythm and electrical activity. It is often the first step in diagnosing a range of heart conditions.
What is an Echocardiogram and Why Might I Need One?
An echocardiogram (echo) is a non-invasive ultrasound scan that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your heart. It is a common test used to investigate symptoms such as breathlessness or chest pain and to monitor existing heart conditions.
Chest Pain on the Left Side: What Could It Be?
Left-sided chest pain may be linked to a heart problem, but there are many other possible causes. This article helps you understand the symptoms and when to see a specialist.
Heart Palpitations vs Atrial Fibrillation: Are They the Same?
Heart palpitations are often harmless, but they can sometimes indicate atrial fibrillation (AF). Learn the key differences and when to seek specialist assessment.
What causes fainting blackouts?
Discover the common and cardiac-related causes of fainting blackouts (syncope), how they are investigated, and when you should see a cardiologist in Poole or Bournemouth.
Palpitations: What They Are and When to Seek Help
Palpitations are sensations of a racing, pounding, or fluttering heartbeat. While often harmless, they can sometimes point to an underlying heart condition. This article explains common causes and when to see a specialist.
What Causes Heart Valve Disease?
Heart valve disease can be caused by factors present at birth, such as a bicuspid aortic valve, or develop later in life from infections, coronary artery disease, or the natural ageing process. Understanding the causes helps you have informed discussions with your cardiologist.
Can vaping cause heart palpitations? What cardiology patients need to know
Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but new research raises concerns about its effects on the heart, including potential palpitations. We explore what the evidence says and what it means for your cardiovascular health.
Holter Monitoring: What It Detects and How Long It Takes
A Holter monitor is a portable ECG device that records your heart’s rhythm continuously, usually for 24 to 72 hours, helping to identify intermittent cardiac issues like palpitations and arrhythmias.
Have a question about your heart?
Articles are general information. For advice about your own symptoms, arrange a consultation and we will guide you.