When should I see a cardiologist? — your questions answered

You should see a cardiologist if you have new or unexplained chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, blackouts or fainting, persistent high blood pressure despite treatment, an abnormal ECG, a strong family history of early heart disease, or known heart problems that need ongoing specialist input.

Consider a cardiology assessment for prevention too — a one-off cardiovascular risk review in your 40s or 50s can identify silent risk factors and stop a future heart attack before it happens. This is increasingly the kind of consultation private patients book proactively, and it is one of the highest-yield things you can do for your long-term health.

No — most private cardiologists in London, including this practice, accept self-referrals and you can book directly without seeing your GP first. A GP letter is often helpful because it includes your medical history and current medications, but it is not a requirement.

If you are claiming through private medical insurance, most insurers require a GP referral as a condition of cover — check your specific policy before booking. Self-paying patients can book directly. Contact this practice at 0203 9838 001 or jessica@oneheartclinic.com.

A first cardiology consultation typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes and combines a detailed history, a focused examination, and — where appropriate — same-visit investigations including an ECG and an echocardiogram. The cardiologist will explain your problem, recommend any further tests, and outline a treatment plan.

You will usually leave with a clear understanding of what is and is not likely to be wrong, what tests are needed next, and what the follow-up plan is. A formal report is sent to you and (with your consent) your GP within a day or two. Bring a list of your current medications, any previous test reports, and a written list of your questions.

A cardiologist is a physician who diagnoses and treats heart disease using medication, lifestyle advice and minimally invasive procedures including angiograms, stents, ablations and pacemakers. A cardiothoracic surgeon is a surgeon who performs open-heart operations such as bypass grafting (CABG) and valve repair or replacement.

Most heart conditions are managed entirely by cardiologists. When surgery is needed, the cardiologist works alongside the surgeon in a heart team to decide on the best approach. You almost always start your journey with a cardiologist — they are the front door to heart care.

A private cardiology consultation in London typically costs £350 for an initial appointment, with follow-ups around £250-275. Individual tests are usually billed separately: ECG around £50-£100, echocardiogram £350–£500, stress echocardiogram £500–£800, CT coronary angiogram £1,200-£1500, cardiac MRI £1,800-£2500.

Many patients combine a consultation with same-visit ECG and echocardiogram for efficient one-stop assessment. Private medical insurance usually covers consultations and investigations in full subject to your policy excess. Self-paying patients should ask about package pricing for common assessment pathways. Contact the practice at 0203 9838 001 for current fee information.

Cardiologists treat all conditions affecting the heart and its blood supply, including: chest pain and coronary artery disease, heart attacks, angina, palpitations and arrhythmia (including AFib), heart failure, valve disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inherited heart conditions, adult congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathies, and microvascular disorders.

Most general cardiologists cover the full range, with subspecialty interests in particular areas — interventional cardiology (angiograms and stents), electrophysiology (arrhythmia and ablation), imaging (echo, CT, MRI), or heart failure. The right cardiologist for you depends on your specific problem.

Yes — a first-degree family history of early heart disease (heart attack before age 55 in men or 65 in women) roughly doubles your own risk and is a strong reason for a one-off cardiovascular risk assessment, ideally in your 30s or 40s.

A good assessment includes blood pressure, a full lipid profile (including Lp(a)), glucose, an ECG, and often a coronary calcium score. The aim is to identify your individual risk and start prevention early — modifying the risk factors that can be modified, and monitoring those that cannot. Acting early matters far more than waiting for symptoms.

In private practice, most appointments can be arranged within a few working days, and same-week clinics are usually available for symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Urgent or potentially serious presentations are prioritised.

If your symptoms are severe or escalating — particularly chest pain at rest, severe breathlessness, blackouts or stroke-like symptoms — the right route is A&E first rather than an outpatient appointment. Outpatient cardiology is best suited to stable symptoms, planned investigations and ongoing management.

An interventional cardiologist is a cardiologist with additional specialty training in catheter-based procedures — angiograms, balloon angioplasty, coronary stenting, structural heart procedures and pressure-wire physiology (FFR/iFR). These are performed via a small incision in the wrist or groin, without open surgery.

Most cardiologists are not interventional — it is a subspecialty requiring additional training and accreditation. If you have suspected coronary artery disease that may need a stent, an interventional cardiologist can both assess your condition and perform any procedure that becomes necessary, with full continuity of care from first consultation through to follow-up.

Yes — combining NHS and private care is common and entirely permitted. Many patients use private cardiology for a faster initial consultation and diagnostics, then transfer to NHS care for ongoing management, or vice versa.

The two systems do not need to know about each other, but letting them communicate is usually in your best interest — sharing reports between teams avoids duplicated tests and ensures everyone is making decisions from the same evidence. With your consent, private reports are routinely sent to your NHS team and GP.