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The SCVC Blog

Cardiovascular care news and articles from our expert team

Cardiovascular Health Under 20: A Guide for Young People and Their Families

It may seem unusual to talk about heart disease in teenagers and children, but the groundwork for heart health is laid early in life. Habits formed in youth often carry into adulthood, and many cardiovascular risk factors—like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or obesity—can be silent, slowly progressing without symptoms.In families where heart disease runs deep, understanding risk and prevention from a young age can be life-changing.

Cardiovascular Prevention: Why Waiting Until 60 Is Too Late

Cardiovascular disease is detectable and treatable decades before first symptoms appear, especially in the critical age range known as *"Sniper’s Alley"* (40–60 years). Waiting until 60 is too late. Early prevention, particularly LDL cholesterol control, saves lives. Learn why men and women with a family history of heart disease demands a more proactive approach — and why starting young matters.

The Rise of Online Home Blood Testing: A Paradigm Shift in Preventative Healthcare

From cholesterol tests and HbA1c for monitoring diabetes, to more specific markers like lipoprotein(a), or LP(a), patients are no longer waiting for symptoms or their GP's advice before seeking answers. Instead, they are becoming more proactive—taking charge of their health and accessing diagnostics that were once confined to clinical settings.

The cardiometabolic clinic

With continued advancements in imaging, pharmacology, and personalised medicine, the SCVC cardiometabolic clinic is positioned to lead the way in preventative cardiology. The integration of real-time metabolic assessments, cutting-edge lipid profiling, and targeted pharmacotherapy represents a paradigm shift in how cardiovascular risk is managed.

How does stress affect your heart?

Stress is an unavoidable part of modern life. We encounter it at work, at home, in traffic, and even while reading the news. Although we often discuss stress casually, its impact on the human body is profound—particularly on the cardiovascular system. In this article, we will explore how stress affects the heart and blood vessels, drawing on clinical insights, expanding scientific knowledge, and practical stress-management strategies. By the end, you will see why stress is a critical factor in any heart health strategy, along with steps you can take to mitigate its harmful effects.

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.

How a daily junior aspirin can save millions of lives

Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, is one of the oldest and most widely used medications in the world. Well known for its analgesic effects, it was later discovered to be effective in much smaller doses in preventing platelet aggregation that had a pivotal role in arterial thrombosis. Its role in inhibiting platelet activity has made it a cornerstone in the prevention and treatment of arterial thrombosis. In this article, we will explore the fascinating role of platelets in acute coronary thrombosis, the mechanisms by which aspirin exerts its protective effects, and the clinical considerations for its use.

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.