Cardiology & Vascular Care

The cardiology service at Allergy Asthma Foundation cares for the heart and the blood vessels that supply it. Our consultants look after people at every stage of life, from a young adult with unexplained palpitations to an older patient recovering after a heart attack. Care is planned and delivered by one team of interventional cardiologists, non-invasive specialists, cardiac nurses and rehabilitation therapists who review each patient together.

Every AAF centre offers same-week outpatient review, a complete non-invasive diagnostic laboratory and a round-the-clock emergency pathway for chest pain. More complex work, such as coronary angioplasty, device implantation and peripheral vascular intervention, is carried out in our catheterisation laboratory, with a dedicated cardiac intensive care unit for the first stage of recovery.

Conditions we care for

The department manages the full range of heart and vascular disease, including:

• Coronary artery disease, angina and heart attack
• High blood pressure, including pressure that is hard to control
• Heart failure and diseases of the heart muscle
• Atrial fibrillation and other irregular heart rhythms
• A slow heartbeat needing a pacemaker
• Heart valve disease, whether narrowed or leaking
• Peripheral arterial disease and leg-vein problems
• Palpitations, blackouts and unexplained breathlessness
• Raised cholesterol and inherited lipid disorders
• Heart problems in pregnancy, and heart risk before non-cardiac surgery

Tests and treatments

Non-invasive diagnostics

Most patients begin with simple, painless tests, many of which can be completed on the day of the first visit:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) and 24-hour to two-week heart rhythm monitoring
• Echocardiogram, including stress and 4D echocardiography
• Treadmill and cardiopulmonary exercise testing
• Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
• CT coronary angiography and coronary calcium scoring

Procedures and programmes

• Coronary angiography and angioplasty with stent placement
• Permanent pacemaker and implantable defibrillator insertion
• Electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation
• Peripheral vascular imaging and intervention
• Structured cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention clinics

What happens at your first visit

1. Your consultant reviews your symptoms, past illnesses, medicines and family history.
2. You have a physical examination and a resting ECG.
3. Where it will help, an echocardiogram or blood tests are arranged during the same visit.
4. You are given a clear explanation of the likely diagnosis and the choices available.
5. A written plan is shared with you and, with your agreement, with your family doctor.

How to prepare for your appointment

• Bring a list of every medicine you take, with doses.
• Bring earlier ECGs, scan reports and hospital discharge summaries.
• Wear loose, two-piece clothing in case an ECG or an echocardiogram is needed.
• Keep taking your usual medicines unless a doctor has told you to stop.
• If a treadmill test is planned, avoid a heavy meal and strong coffee for three hours beforehand.

Care alongside other departments

Heart health rarely sits on its own. Our cardiologists work closely with the diabetes and kidney teams in general medicine, with the pulmonology team in a joint breathlessness clinic, with the on-site imaging service for same-day scans, and with obstetrics when a pregnancy needs shared care. If you are being prepared for an operation in another department, we provide a clear pre-surgery heart risk assessment so the surgical team can plan safely.

When to seek help sooner

Please do not wait for a scheduled appointment if you have any of the following:

• Central chest pain or tightness lasting more than a few minutes, especially with sweating or breathlessness
• Pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back
• Sudden severe breathlessness, or breathlessness when lying flat
• Fainting, or a racing heartbeat that does not settle
• New swelling of both ankles with weight gain over a few days

Call our 24-hour emergency line or go to the nearest emergency department straight away.

Questions patients ask

Do I need a referral to be seen?

No. You can book a cardiology consultation directly. A referral letter and copies of past records still help your consultant prepare.

Will I get my results on the same day?

ECG and echocardiogram findings are usually discussed during the visit. Blood tests and CT reports are shared within a few working days through the contact method you prefer.

If I have a blockage, will I definitely need angioplasty?

No. Many people do well with medicines, lifestyle change and close follow-up. Angioplasty is advised only when the benefit clearly outweighs the small risk of the procedure, and the decision is always made together with you.

To arrange a review with the cardiology team at your nearest AAF centre, book an appointment online or request a callback and our coordinators will help you find a suitable time.