Cardiology

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) or heart tracing is a painless test that measures the electrical activity of your heart. During the procedure, you will be comfortably positioned, and small electrodes will be attached to your chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes detect the electrical impulses generated by your heart and transmit them to a machine that records the information.

The entire process typically takes only a few minutes, providing valuable insights into your heart’s health and helping your healthcare provider assess any potential irregularities such as abnormal rhythms (arrythmias), heart disease and even heart attacks.

A 24-hour ECG monitor, also known as a Holter monitor, is a portable device used to continuously record the electrical activity of the heart over a 24-hour period. It is commonly employed to capture a more extended and comprehensive assessment of the heart’s rhythm and detect any irregularities or abnormalities that may not be evident during a standard, shorter-duration ECG. It is particularly useful for conditions such as palpitations or erratic heart rate or unusually slow or fast heart rate where your symptoms may come and go.

Haven Medical cardiology team are able to arrange cardiac rhythm monitors as well as any other tests and investigations including follow ups as required.

An echocardiogram is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and function. It provides valuable information about the size, shape, and movement of the heart chambers, as well as the functioning of the heart valves.

Echocardiography is a versatile tool that can be used to diagnose a variety of heart conditions, including but not limited to:

• Heart valve diseases: Assessing the structure and function of heart valves.
• Cardiomyopathies: Detecting abnormalities in the heart muscle.
• Congenital heart defects: Identifying structural issues present from birth.
• Pericardial diseases: Assessing the sac around the heart.
• Detection of blood clots or tumours: Identifying abnormalities within the heart.

It is a commonly used and valuable technique for evaluating heart health, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring the progression of heart conditions. Echocardiograms are generally safe, painless, and do not involve exposure to radiation, making them a widely utilised tool in cardiology. At Haven Medical our echocardiograms will be performed by our highly experienced and knowledgeable consultant cardiologist.

The Haven Medical Heart Health Check is a comprehensive review of your heart health and function, allowing for any issues to be picked up early.  You will be given personalised recommendations and onward referrals as needed by a Consultant Cardiologist.

Over 7.6mn people in the UK live with heart or circulatory disease, which account for a quarter of all deaths in the UK. Early detection and appropriate treatment saves lives. 

The Heart Health Check is perfect for those who:

• Have an existing heart condition and want a check up or specialist advice. 
• Are concerned about new symptoms such as shortness of breath or palpitations. 
• Have a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol. 
• Have risk factors for heart disease such as raised cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, overweight or metabolic syndrome. 
• Lead an active lifestyle and engage in regular exercise and want to understand their heart health, as well as how to improve performance.  
• People who are curious about their heart health and future risks. 

Included in the Heart Health Check:

• Advanced blood tests – not routinely available on the NHS 
  • A comprehensive analysis of over 50 biomarkers including full blood count, liver, kidney and thyroid function, inflammation and diabetes.  

• Advanced cholesterol tests not routinely available on the NHS, including:  
  • Apolipoprotein B test – this is a far better test for the risk of a heart attack or stroke than a standard cholesterol blood test. 
  • Lipoprotein (a) test – The European Atherosclerosis Society recommend all adults get a lipoprotein (a) test once in their lifetime as it is a genetically inherited marker which significantly increases the risk of heart disease. 
• ECG – paper tracing of the heart to check the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity 

• Echocardiogram – a painless ultrasound to assess the heart size, function, valves and aorta 

• In depth consultation with a Consultant Cardiologist  

• • There will be plenty of time to discuss your full medical and family history, as well as a cardiac examination.  The Consultant Cardiologist will explain all the test results in easy to understand language and give personalised advice. 

• • If further tests or medication is recommended, you can choose to receive these privately, or return to the NHS under a shared care plan if appropriate.

Optional VO2 max testing:

Perfect for those looking to improve their sporting performance, but also for those looking at a more in-depth analysis of their heart function and health, optional VO2 max testing is available.   

Also known as ‘cardiopulmonary exercise testing’, VO2 max testing has several purposes:

• It is the gold-standard measure of cardiovascular fitness and a key determinant of longevity.
• It provides valuable insights into how efficiently your body uses oxygen during exercise and also in daily living.
• It provides information on how your lungs, heart and metabolic structures work as a team. 
• VO2 tests can help determine the causes of breathlessness symptoms.

The Benefits of VO2 max testing 

• Accurate measurement of cardiovascular fitness- VO2 max is one of the best indicators of aerobic endurance and heart health. Regular testing allows individuals to track improvements in fitness over time.
• Personalised training programs– By understanding an individual’s VO2 max, fitness programs can be tailored to optimise workouts, ensuring they exercise at the right intensity for maximum benefits.
• Early detection of health risks– A low VO2 max can be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease, metabolic conditions, or poor overall health. Identifying these risks allows for early intervention and lifestyle changes.
• Enhanced athletic performance– For athletes or active individuals, VO2 max testing helps refine endurance training strategies, allowing for improvements in speed, stamina, and recovery.
• Weight management and metabolism insights– Higher VO2 max levels are associated with a more efficient metabolism. Knowing this measurement can help individuals optimise fat-burning zones and improve weight loss efforts.
• Motivation and goal setting– Quantifiable results from VO2 max testing provide motivation and clear benchmarks, making it easier to set realistic fitness and wellness goals.
• Improved longevity and quality of life– Studies link higher VO2 max levels with increased lifespan and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

A carotid ultrasound, also known as carotid duplex or Doppler ultrasound, is a non-invasive imaging test that assesses the blood flow in the carotid arteries located in the neck that will be performed by our consultant cardiologist. This painless procedure uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of these arteries, allowing our healthcare professionals to evaluate the presence of blockages or narrowing (stenosis) that could increase the risk of stroke or other cardiovascular issues.

This test helps in early detection and management of potential vascular problems, offering valuable insights into your vascular health without the need for invasive procedures or radiation exposure.

It is especially helpful for patients who have risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of stroke.