Heart Symptoms and Conditions Assessed

Your consultation starts with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, medicines, family history and cardiovascular risk factors. If the appointment is face to face, a clinical examination can be performed. Please bring an up-to-date medication list and any relevant letters, ECGs, blood-test results or scan reports. These can reduce unnecessary repetition and help place a new finding in context.

A clear, proportionate investigation plan

Not every patient needs every test. The most appropriate investigation depends on the question that needs answering. Following assessment, options may include:

• 12-lead ECG to assess the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity at that moment.
• Echocardiography to examine heart structure, pumping function and valves.
• Ambulatory heart monitoring to look for intermittent rhythm abnormalities over a longer period (see nationwide cardiac monitoring).
• Ambulatory blood-pressure monitoring to measure blood pressure during usual daily activity and sleep.
• Exercise or stress testing, such as an exercise ECG or stress echocardiogram, when symptoms or heart function need assessment under controlled exertion.
• CT coronary angiography or cardiac MRI when more detailed anatomical or tissue information is required.

When a test is advised, its purpose, possible limitations and how the result may change management will be explained. See the overview of private cardiac tests and investigations.

After the assessment

You should leave with a clearer understanding of the likely causes being considered and the next steps. Depending on the findings, this may involve reassurance, monitoring, lifestyle measures, a medication review, further tests or referral for another specialist service. Relevant results can be discussed in context rather than treated as isolated numbers.

Where appropriate, a clinic letter can summarise the assessment and recommendations for your GP or another clinician. Ongoing follow-up can be arranged when a condition requires monitoring or treatment adjustment.

Choose the most suitable consultation format

A face-to-face cardiology consultation is most appropriate when examination or same-visit testing may be helpful. A video consultation can suit discussion of symptoms, existing results, treatment options or a second opinion when physical examination is not immediately required. A telephone cardiology consultation may be suitable for focused advice or follow-up. If remote assessment identifies a need for examination or testing, a face-to-face appointment can be recommended.

About this page

This information is educational and does not replace individual medical advice. It was written and medically reviewed by Dr Salam Salloum, Consultant Cardiologist (GMC number 5209498). It is intended to help patients understand the scope of private cardiology assessment and make an informed choice about seeking care.