Cardiac Care in London During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Many of us have been inspired to take better care of ourselves by the events of the last year, but unfortunately the COVID-19 pandemic has also deterred many people from seeking cardiac care when they need it. Improving your diet and lifestyle can prevent heart disease but it is also vital to be aware of the signs that you need expert help. You can find world-class cardiac care in London even while we are managing a global pandemic.

Cardiac Care in an Emergency

During the first UK lockdown in 2019 there was a significant drop in the number of people attending hospitals with heart problems. The number of patients admitted with heart attacks or heart failure dropped by more than 50%. Many people were worried about going to A&E during the pandemic in case they became infected. Others were concerned about overwhelming the health services and tried to cope with their symptoms at home. Similar effects were seen again during the autumn and winter as COVID-19 rates rose again and it is feared that this could lead to further rises in avoidable deaths from heart disease.

Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack should call an ambulance right away. Signs of a possible heart attack include sudden chest pain or tightness, pain that spreads along the arm or jaw, and suddenly becoming sweaty, lightheaded, or breathless. A heart attack is a medical emergency so it is vital to get help as quickly as possible, even during lockdown.

Seeing a Heart Specialist

Although other cardiac symptoms may not require emergency medical care, they still need to be assessed by a doctor as soon as possible. You shouldn’t ignore symptoms such as heart palpitations or dizziness because of COVID-19 anxieties. It’s also important to be aware that symptoms such as breathlessness, a persistent cough, and fatigue can be caused by heart problems if you have tested negative for COVID-19. You could have a serious heart condition that requires prompt treatment, so you should make an appointment with your GP or see a heart specialist directly.

Cardiac Screen is taking all the necessary measures to keep you safe when you seek cardiac care in London. If you’re experiencing any cardiac symptoms then we can run tests to find out the cause. We may recommend some of the following tests:

  • echocardiogram – an ultrasound scan to check your heart’s structure and movements
  • ECG – measures the electrical activity in your heart that controls its beating
  • exercise tests – monitoring your heart while you are on a treadmill
  • blood pressure – to check how well your heart is functioning
  • lung function tests – measuring your lung capacity and function
  • blood and urine tests – to check for metabolic problems, infections, and other issues

If we do detect a problem then we’ll talk you through the treatment options, which could include lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery. We provide complete cardiac care in London so we’ll be here to provide all the support you need.

Who Should Have Their Cardiovascular Health Assessed?

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Heart disease affects approximately 7 million people in the UK, but many of us are unaware that we are living with a cardiovascular condition. Cardiac screening can detect these hidden conditions so that we are able to get treatment. It can also reveal who is at risk of developing heart disease in the future, which can enable us to take steps to prevent these kinds of problems. Should you have your cardiovascular health assessed to find out if you could be affected?

Continue reading Who Should Have Their Cardiovascular Health Assessed?

Could Wearable Tech Predict Help With Stroke Treatment?

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If you have experienced a stroke, you will be aware of how much technology can help with your care. You will probably have had many scans and tests such as the carotid Doppler scan to assess your condition and the risk of having another stroke. However, experts are developing new technology that could soon be providing even more information about your health. While the carotid Doppler scan and other assessments can already provide useful information, anything that adds to our understanding of your health will always be a good thing. Continue reading Could Wearable Tech Predict Help With Stroke Treatment?

Coping With Nerves When You Need a Heart Test

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One of the important things to remember about having a heart test at our London clinic is that the tests we perform are safe, non invasive, and painless. There is nothing to worry about when it comes to the procedure itself and your doctor can explain exactly what to expect if you’re nervous. If you’re still worried, here are some tips to help you stay calm when waiting for or having a cardiac test. Continue reading Coping With Nerves When You Need a Heart Test

Are You At Risk of a Stroke?

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A stroke can happen to anyone, and it often occurs without any warning. However, there are some factors that can tell you whether you are at higher risk of having a stroke. There are also some useful tests, such as the carotid Doppler scan, that can provide a clearer picture of your stroke risk. Continue reading Are You At Risk of a Stroke?

What Happens at a London Cardiac Test?

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Attending a clinic for a London cardiac test can be a stressful business. Although finding out about any health problems affecting your heart is the best way to ensure that you get the cardiac care you need as soon as possible, you might still be worried about what the tests could reveal. On top of this, you might also be anxious about what exactly will happen at the clinic. Continue reading What Happens at a London Cardiac Test?