Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally. In the UK, heart disease is the biggest risk, with CVD causing one in four deaths (about 160,000 yearly). The most common CVD is coronary heart disease (CHD), which may cause stroke and heart attacks. Understanding and managing your risks is possible with the right screening and treatment.

If you undergo a checkup for heart disease, treatment options are available for any problem found. During your GP consultation, your doctor will ask about your family history, symptoms and other important information related to heart health. The doctor may suggest undergoing blood tests and an ECG (electrocardiogram), which are all available at Medical Express Clinic. Our doctor can also offer you a prescription for medication. If further investigation is necessary, you may need a referral to a cardiologist at no extra cost, as your GP consultation fees also cover referrals and prescriptions.

Symptoms

In the earliest stages, cardiovascular disease may show no symptoms. The best time to request a coronary disease check is when you have no symptoms. This check can help you understand our risk of developing heart disease, and if necessary, you can take preventive measures. Men above age 40 require regular cardiovascular health checkups with their GP.

Some common symptoms of heart disease include:

• Discomfort or pain in the chest
• Digestive symptoms such as stomachache, heartburn, indigestion or nausea. These symptoms may indicate a heart attack.
• Chest pain may occur with or without chest tightness, a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the chest, or burning. These symptoms are due to a narrowing or blocked artery and may indicate a heart attack.
• Moving pain

Chest pain that radiates down the side of the body or arm or moves up into the throat or jaw

• Light-headedness and dizziness
• These symptoms may occur if you stand up quickly or miss a meal but may indicate an underlying heart issue.
• Fatigue
• Unusual feeling of tiredness, such as difficulty doing an activity you normally have no trouble completing. You may also notice shortness of breath or easily being out of breath.
• Swollen legs, ankles or feet that may indicate a problem with circulation
• Erectile dysfunction – circulatory issues may reduce blood flow to the penis leading to erectile dysfunction
• Irregular heartbeat, including a slow heartbeat, heart skipping beats, fluttering in your heart or a feeling of pounding

If you experience these symptoms, book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. Radiating chest pain is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

Types of cardiovascular diseases

• Peripheral arterial disease
• Aortic disease
• Coronary heart disease
• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Angina
• Cardiomyopathy
• Rheumatic heart disease
• Strokes
• Hypertensive heart disease
• Inflammatory heart disease
• Cardiac dysrhythmias
• Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)

Who needs a heart health check?

• People from age 35 with diabetes
• Everyone from age 45 – 79
• First Nations people from age 30

If you don't have heart disease, you can still speak to your GP about a heart health check.

Special diagnostic services

At Medical Express Clinic, specialist diagnostic services for circulatory heart issues are available, and our doctors have experience treating arrhythmia, cardiac conditions, congenital heart disease and implanting cardiac devices such as defibrillators and pacemakers.

We also offer cardiac stress testing and recommend it for people with risk factors for heart disease, such as a family history of cardiac disease, smoking, diabetes, hypertension or high blood pressure.

You can contact us to book an appointment for the following.

• General cardiology
• Cardiac CT
• 24-hour blood pressure monitoring
• Sports cardiology
• Treadmill testing
• Cardiac MRI
• Echocardiogram

Private cardiology consultation

We have a team of highly experienced cardiologists who treat different heart conditions. Whether you are experiencing symptoms or have an existing condition and need a checkup, our cardiology specialists can help.

Contact us today to book an appointment with one of our cardiology specialists who can address your concerns or questions concerning:

• Heart disease in pregnancy
• Loop recorder
• Inherited cardiac conditions
• Cardiac MRI
• Screening for sudden death syndrome
• Ajmaline challenge for Brugada syndrome
• Cardiac CT
• 24-hour ECG
• 1-week ECG
• 3-week ECG
• Angiogram

Heart check results

After your test, we will discuss your result with you and explain any diagnosis. If you have a condition, we will provide the necessary support and treatment to help manage the condition.

Our cardiologist may offer a personalised treatment plan involving being on a specific diet, medication and lifestyle advice. We will tailor your treatment plans to meet your needs and ensure you get the right treatment for your heart health.