The SCVC Blog

Cardiovascular care news and articles from our expert team

Troponin-Negative Chest Pain: A Dangerous Illusion

Troponin-negative presentations are often sent home without a timely work up or prompt imaging tests like a CT angiogram. A delay can be critical. Until these services become widely available, and in good time, patients experiencing unexplained chest symptoms who have not had clinical follow up and diagnosis confirmed are advised to 'vote with their feet'- either head back into hospital in event of further symptoms, or even consider arranging to fund their own urgent CT angiogram from an independent medical provider.

Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): A Hidden Link in Stroke, TIA, Migraine and More — When to Close the Hole in the Heart

Before birth, the foramen ovale is a vital foetal opening between the right and left atria, allowing oxygen-rich placental blood to bypass the inactive lungs. After the first breath, pressure in the left atrium increases, closing the flap naturally. In around 25% of adults, the flap does not seal fully — this persistent communication is called a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) which is an important cause of cryptogenic stroke. All standard tests including an echocardiogram can be normal- it can be only be diagnosed using a bubble contrast study and once diagnosed, treatment with clam shell closure is high effective.

Interpreting Liver Function Tests in MASLD: Why “Normal” May No Longer Mean Healthy

Traditional upper limits for ALT (often ≤55 U/L in UK labs) were derived decades ago, before the epidemic of obesity and steatosis. Current evidence suggests these ranges are too high — and that values above 30 U/L may already indicate liver injury in people with metabolic risk. The British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) guidelines emphasise that a result within the “normal range” may not be reassuring if the patient is metabolically high-risk

Cardiologists and a New Enemy: Evolving Tools of the Trade

For much of modern cardiology, in its battle against coronary artery disease—one of mankind’s greatest threats—the “enemy” seemed clear. When I trained, the diagnostic armoury was focused on accurately identifying flow-limiting narrowing of one or more coronary arteries. Yet in the last decade, a profound paradigm shift has unsettled these foundations—and in some respects, turned them on their head.

Implantable Loop Recorders (ILRs) in the Investigation of Syncope, Cryptogenic Stroke, TIA, and Transient Global Amnesia

An article written by Dr Edward Leatham, Consultant Cardiologist When unexplained fainting episodes (syncope) or certain types of stroke occur, the search for an underlying cause can be frustrating for patients and clinicians alike. In some cases, the usual tests — […]

The Cardiometabolic Reset: Escaping the Metabolic Doom Loop

The Eight-Month Metabolic Reset is a structured cardiometabolic programme designed to reduce visceral fat, preserve skeletal muscle strength, and improve glucose stability. Combining lifestyle change, targeted metabolic support, and clinical guidance, it helps break the cardiometabolic cycle and build sustainable long-term health beyond short-term weight loss.

Home Monitoring in Cardiology: A New Era of Patient Care

An article written by Dr Edward Leatham, Consultant Cardiologist Tags: BP, CGM, Glucose, Telehealth, Homecare, NH1 search website using Tags to find related stories. Over the past decade, healthcare has experienced a remarkable evolution in how patients are monitored and managed […]

10 Things Everyone Who Has Had a Coronary Stent or Bypass Operation Should Know

Having a stent or bypass is not the end of the story—it is the beginning of a new chapter in managing your cardiovascular health. With the right combination of medications, lifestyle changes, rehabilitation programmes, and vigilant follow-up using advanced diagnostic techniques, you can greatly reduce your risk of future events. Stay engaged with your healthcare team, keep informed about new therapies and guidelines, and commit to sustainable lifestyle adjustments to ensure the best possible long-term health.

Betablockers

To understand how beta-blockers achieve their effects, imagine the heart as a van engine with a speed regulator fitted and adrenaline as the driver pressing down hard on the accelerator pedal. When you take a beta-blocker, it prevents the engine from racing even when the driver presses the accelerator hard down. The result is a slower top speed and, steadier “drive”—your heart beats more slowly, and the strain on the engine (your heart muscle) reduces.

Statin holiday

A key component of evaluating statin-related symptoms is tracking them systematically. A symptom diary can help you visualise the severity and frequency of side effects over time. A "year-at-a-glance" dot plot is particularly useful.

When to Operate in Aortic Stenosis: Timing, Symptoms, and Considerations for Intervention

The timing of intervention in aortic stenosis is critical. Delaying surgery or transcatheter procedures until symptoms become severe or complications arise can lead to poorer outcomes. Conversely, intervening too early may expose patients to unnecessary procedural risks. For exceptionally fit individuals aged 75-85, timely intervention can be particularly advantageous, as they may tolerate surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) better than expected for their age. In these cases, earlier treatment may prevent irreversible damage to the heart and reduce the risks associated with waiting until the disease progresses further.

Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a progressive and potentially life-threatening condition. It predominantly affects older adults and has significant implications for cardiovascular health, life expectancy, and quality of life. The incidence of AS is climbing because of increased life expectancy. Timely intervention, especially in symptomatic patients or those with progressing stenosis, is essential to optimise outcomes. This article explores the nuances of AS diagnosis, treatment decisions, and the importance of patient involvement in the care pathway.