Your Trusted Top-Rated Cardiologist - Personalised Heart Care

Palpitations refer to the awareness of one's own heartbeat, and they often feel like a fluttering, pounding, or rapid sensation in the chest. While palpitations can be caused by various factors, they are commonly associated with heart rhythm irregularities (arrhythmias). If you experience persistent or recurrent palpitations, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Your healthcare provider may conduct tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitoring, event monitoring, or stress testing to assess the heart's electrical activity and rule out any underlying conditions.

Seeking medical evaluation allows for a comprehensive assessment of heart health and ensures that any underlying issues are identified and addressed appropriately. If you are experiencing palpitations or have concerns about your heart health, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. One of the most common arrhythmias is atrial fibrillation (around 1.4 million people in the UK have this) which is a common cause of strokes.

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Breathlessness is one of the most distressing symptoms. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, and its evaluation requires a comprehensive approach. Seeking timely medical attention is crucial to identify the underlying cause and implement appropriate management strategies to improve breathing and overall well-being. The inability to breathe well, particularly with minimal exertion can be one of the symptoms of heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, or heart rhythm abnormalities. If your exercise tolerance has reduced, particularly with leg swelling, an immediate medical opinion should be sought. 

Assessment with Echocardiography, CT, or MRI scan may be recommended depending on the initial clinical assessment.

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Dizziness or feeling faint on standing up can be quite a common symptom that is related to blood pressure fluctuations (postural hypotension). If your symptom of dizziness is persistent, particularly associated with near faints or blackouts, this would require further clinical evaluation. Symptoms of dizziness can be caused by valvular heart disease or life-threatening arrhythmias. 

Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for implementing appropriate treatment and management strategies to alleviate dizziness and improve overall well-being.

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Lethargy, fatigue, exhaustion, or general tiredness can be difficult symptoms to investigate due to the wide variety of potential medical causes. This can range from some abnormality in the blood test to more severe causes such as heart failure. Understanding the potential causes of tiredness is important for addressing the underlying issues and improving overall energy levels.

If you feel that your tiredness is not in keeping with your general well-being or fitness level, consider seeking an expert opinion for further assessment.

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Health screening is about identifying underlying "silent" heart disease in apparently healthy people before the development of any symptoms. The goal of screening is to detect diseases or conditions early, enabling timely intervention and treatment. Most diseases at their early stages are without any symptoms, but the ability to detect them early will enable prevention intervention to either reverse or reduce the potential complications in later life.

Health screening should be safe, non-invasive, and effective in ruling out the early development of disease. The decision to undergo screening should be informed and consider individual risk factors and preferences. Regular discussions with healthcare providers can help individuals make informed decisions about appropriate screening tests based on their health history and circumstances.

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Lipoprotein(a), often abbreviated as Lp(a), is a type of lipoprotein found in your blood. Lipoproteins are particles made of fat (lipid) and protein that carry cholesterol and other fats through your bloodstream. Here's a simple breakdown to help you understand Lp(a):

What is Lp(a)?

Lp(a) is similar to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often known as "bad cholesterol," but it has an additional protein called apolipoprotein(a). The Lp(a) level in your blood is largely inherited.

Why is Lp(a) Important?

High levels of Lp(a) in your blood can increase your risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. This is because Lp(a) can contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which can narrow and harden the arteries, leading to various heart and vascular problems.

Who Should Get Their Lp(a) Checked?

According to the European Society of Cardiology, it is recommended that all adults have their Lp(a) levels measured at least once during their lifetime to aid in the clinical review and analysis of cardiovascular risk.

Additionally, more frequent testing or closer monitoring may be recommended for individuals with specific conditions or risk factors, such as:

Family History of Early Heart Disease: If you have close relatives who developed heart disease at a young age, you might benefit from knowing your Lp(a) levels.

Persistent High Cholesterol: If your cholesterol levels remain high despite treatment, Lp(a) testing can provide further insights.

Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Those with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of smoking should consider getting their Lp(a) levels checked, as these factors can compound the risk associated with high Lp(a).

How is Lp(a) Tested?

Testing for Lp(a) involves a simple blood test. Your doctor will take a small sample of blood, usually from your arm, and send it to a laboratory to measure the amount of Lp(a) in your blood.

What Do the Results Mean?

Normal Levels: Typically, low levels of Lp(a) are considered less risky for heart disease.

High Levels: Elevated levels of Lp(a) can indicate a higher risk of developing cardiovascular problems.

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