The SCVC Blog

Cardiovascular care news and articles from our expert team

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.

Angina

Angina is not a disease in itself but a symptom of underlying cardiac problems. It is important for both patients and healthcare providers to recognise that angina acts as a warning sign of the heart’s distress. Typically manifesting during activities that increase the heart’s demand for oxygen, such as physical exertion or emotional stress, the anginal symptom indicates that the heart is not receiving enough oxygenated blood.

Chronotropic Incompetence

An article by Dr Edward Leatham, Consultant Cardiologist © 2024 E.Leatham For busy people, or to tune in when on the move, Google Notebook AI audio podcast are available for this story beneath. Introduction Pulse rate or heart rate is a fundamental […]

HFpEF versus HFrEF: making sense of diastole

This post is not for the faint hearted! It is a technical description of how the heart works, and may help some readers/listeners to understand the difference between HFpEF and HFrEF. The main objective of this blog is to emphasise the enormous potential of reducing left ventricular stiffening as we age. This can only be accomplished by paying attention to key health metrics from mid life, all influenced by lifestyle, diet and physical exercise

Bradycardia: When a Slow Heart Rate Becomes a Health Concern?

A slow heart rate may not cause symptoms in many people. However, when bradycardia leads to insufficient blood flow, symptoms may arise. The causes of bradycardia are discussed and what constitutes a normal range. An associated podcast is available too.

What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?

Mammalian hearts, including humans, feature two atria - the left and the right. These chambers serve as reception areas, collecting blood before it's dispatched to the ventricles. This system bears a resemblance to a turbocharger in an engine, where the atria boost the heart's efficiency, preparing it for a powerful contraction.

Two ways AFib can cause stroke or heart attack

There are two main reasons left atrial thrombus forms then detaches to cause embolic stroke. The first is that during atrial fibrillation or flutter, a thrombus may develop in the left atrial appendage, which does not move as much as it does when in sinus rhythm. The likelihood of this occurring in any given year is low, correlated to the CHA2DS2-VASc score. The second reason is not related to CHA2DS2-VASc score

Let’s Talk About Salt: Debunking Common Myths

As only 10% of patients with high blood pressure are 'salt sensitive' (meaning that the blood pressure fails to fall in 90% of hypertensives when salt intake is greatly reduced), it seems plausible that consuming high levels of sodium from a young age can “programme” the cardiovascular system to maintain higher blood pressure later in life.

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.

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.

Optimal Blood Pressure: How Low is Low Enough?

Diastolic heart failure (often referred to as 'Heart failure with preserved Ejection Fraction' or 'HFpEF') arises from ventricular stiffening due to age, hypertension, and various other rarer heart conditions. The aging component of this process is unavoidable, but maintaining optimal blood pressure through midlife is achievable and, if successful, should prevent additional left ventricular stiffening attributed to hypertension. By regularly monitoring blood pressure and using effective medication, we can help patients live longer with healthier hearts.

What the heck is LP(a)?

Lp(a) testing is advised for individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease, including those with a prior stent or bypass operation, coronary syndrome or heart attack as well as anyone with a family history of coronary heart disease, high FAI (coronary inflammation) or high risk patterns on Cardiac CT angiograms. In our practice, Lp (a) is offered as part of our comprehensive Metabolic Health assessment (MHA1).