New Patient Information

What to Expect From Your Care

We aim to provide the highest standard of care through our experienced consultant cardiologists, supported by a professional clinical team. We ensure you’ll be well-prepared and informed about any recommended treatment or procedures, so you understand what to expect and are ready for the next steps in your care.

We aim to provide the highest standard of care through our experienced consultant cardiologists, supported by a professional clinical team. We ensure you’ll be well-prepared and informed about any recommended treatment or procedures, so you understand what to expect and are ready for the next steps in your care.

What Should You Bring?

To help your cardiologist gain a clear understanding of your health concerns, please bring:

If you are unsure whether you need to bring any additional documents, please contact our team before your appointment.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment?

Preparing in advance helps your consultation run smoothly and ensures your cardiologist has detailed information about your concerns. You may need to follow specific instructions regarding fasting, medication or other preparations, provided by our team before your appointment.

Make a Note of Symptoms

If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness or fatigue, make a note of when they occur, how long they last and whether you have noticed any particular triggers.

Prepare Medical History

Arrange your medical history, including medical diagnoses, records of any procedures, or hospital admissions. This will help your cardiologist understand your medical history.

Keep Existing Prescriptions

Bring a list of your current medications, vitamins, or supplements with their dosages and how frequently you take them.

Bring Previous Test Results

Bring reports of any previous tests, including ECGs, echocardiograms, Holter monitor results, blood pressure monitoring, cardiac CT or MRI scans and relevant blood test results.

Note Your Queries

Before your appointment, write down any questions you would like to discuss with your cardiologist. These may relate to your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, or concerns about your heart health.

Compile Family Medical History

Family history provides important information about your cardiovascular health. Find out whether close relatives have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. These details help your cardiologist identify potential inherited risk factors.

Cardiac Investigations and Diagnostic Tests

The National Heart Clinic offers a range of cardiac investigations, with selected tests available at our Harley Street and Richmond clinics. Depending on the investigation required and appointment availability, some diagnostics may be carried out on the same day as your consultation. Common tests you can expect include:

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG/EKG is a quick, non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of your heart and helps identify abnormalities in heart rhythm.

Learn More About ECG

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to produce images of your heart to help cardiologists evaluate its structure, valves and pumping function.

Learn More About Echocardiogram

Exercise Tolerance Test

An Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT), also known as a cardiac stress test, helps your cardiologist assess how your heart responds to physical activity.

Learn More About ETT

Holter Monitoring

Holter monitoring involves wearing a portable ECG recorder that continuously records your heart rhythm over a prescribed period. It helps identify irregular heartbeats that may not be detected during a standard ECG.

Learn More About Holter ECG Monitoring

24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) uses a portable device to measure your blood pressure at regular intervals throughout the day and night. It helps your cardiologist assess your blood pressure patterns during your usual daily activities and while you sleep.

Learn More About ABPM

What to Expect After Your Consultation?

Your cardiologist will explain findings and discuss the next steps based on your symptoms and medical history. It may include:

Where appropriate and available, recommended cardiac investigations may be carried out on the same day as your consultation.

Video Consultations

The National Heart Clinic offers video consultations, allowing patients across the UK to speak with one of our consultant cardiologists remotely, without needing to travel to the clinic. Using a computer, tablet or mobile phone, you can discuss your symptoms, medical history and heart health concerns with your cardiologist from the comfort of your home.

Your cardiologist can review your concerns, discuss previous test results and advise on any further investigations or treatment that may be required. If an in-person examination or diagnostic test is needed, our team will arrange your appointment at our Harley Street or Richmond clinic.