Dr Ed Leatham, Author at Surrey Cardiovascular Clinic

The SCVC Blog

Cardiovascular care news and articles from our expert team

So what does determine your LDL (‘bad’) Cholesterol?

Statins are a mind boggling biological 'ruse'. When this medication is taken orally, it causes liver cells to become deficient in essential cholesterol, so they respond by increasing the number of cell surface LDL receptors, thereby enhancing their capacity to extract LDL particles from the blood, significantly lowering circulating LDL levels. Statins remain the most effective and well-known way that doctors can lower LDL levels to prevent or treat coronary heart disease.

How can you access the Caristo Cash back Competition Offer on World Heart Day?

Who are Caristo? Caristo is a commercial data processing company that uses their algorithms to quantity coronary inflammation from a contrast coronary CT angiogram. The company uses their proprietary software to define their CaRi Hearts score which, over and above […]

Promotions and discount schemes

SCVC Offers and promotions listed by launch date 25/9/2024 £500 cashback scheme offered nationwide to the first 100 patients in the UK undergoing a Cardiac CT (CTCA) with CaRi Heartscore. This test, which comprises a contrast CT coronary angiogram and […]

SCVC NEWS – The Surrey Cardiovascular Newsletter

In 2023 the leadership team at SCVC decided that with an estimated 25,000 patients registered since 2006, it was time for us to issue newsletters and notify GPs and patients about our educational webinar events.

Why an Annual Health Screen can now be a ‘Win Win’ for both Employers and Employees

Annual health screenings are a valuable investment in employee well-being, offering significant benefits for both employees and employers. The HMRC’s tax exemption makes these screenings financially attractive, allowing companies to offer meaningful health benefits cost-effectively. Advanced medical technologies, such as AI-driven CT scans, enhance early detection capabilities, providing further value.

Five Reasons Why a Cardiologist Might Recommend a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGMs) to their Patient

Continuous glucose monitoring offers a valuable tool for anyone concerned with their long-term health, especially those with a family history of diabetes or other cardiovascular risk factors. Whether through self-monitoring or professional analysis such as our metabolic health assessment, CGMs can provide actionable insights that help individuals manage their glucose levels more effectively, ultimately contributing to a healthier, longer life. By understanding and managing your glucotype, optimising your diet and exercise, and taking steps to prevent prediabetes and diabetes, you can potentially avoid serious health conditions in the future.

Preventing a Heart Attack: What Can Be Done?

While predicting a heart attack with absolute certainty may still be beyond our reach, the ability to identify patients at high risk is a significant step forward. The latest techniques used to find people at risk are summarised in a […]

Imagine if you could predict a heart attack

The idea of predicting a heart attack may have once seemed like science fiction, but it is rapidly becoming a reality. With the advent of advanced imaging techniques and artificial intelligence, we are now able to detect the early signs of coronary heart disease and intervene before a heart attack occurs. This represents a major shift in the way we approach cardiovascular care, moving from a reactive model to a proactive one.

What techniques are out there to reduce glucose spikes?

This blog explores how individuals can conduct their own experiments to maintain a steady blood glucose and avoid potentially unhealthy glucose spikes above 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL).

The CaRi Heart Score: A New Frontier in Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

The CaRi Heart Score leverages artificial intelligence and advanced imaging techniques to provide a more comprehensive assessment of coronary inflammation, even before non calcified and calcified plaque becomes detectable on CT.

My glucose spikes: so what?

There is a wealth of evidence linking pre-diabetes, raised HbA1c, and full-blown type 2 diabetes to increasing cardiovascular risk. Lesser degrees of a pre diabetic metabolism could therefore have an important role in causing long-term atherosclerosis.

Interpreting Your Own CGM Data: A Guide for Non-Diabetics and Health Enthusiasts

Whether you are diabetic or simply health-conscious, understanding how to interpret CGM data can significantly enhance your approach to diet and lifestyle management. By recognising your body's unique responses to different foods and activities, you can make informed decisions that promote better metabolic health and overall well-being.