Providing independent clinical excellence since 2005
In 2025, with access to low-dose CT angiography, FAI analysis, and a deeper understanding of plaque biology, it is increasingly difficult to justify CAC scoring in younger individuals.
VAT is the principal metabolic culprit in cardiovascular risk. BMI—while simple—fails to capture fat distribution, muscle mass, or ageing effects. Waist-based anthropometrics, particularly waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio, more closely reflect VAT and strongly predict cardiovascular outcomes.For cardiologists, this explains why a tape measure around the waist is more valuable than a BMI calculation. Where precise measurement is required—such as in high-risk patients commencing GLP-1 therapy—DEXA and low-dose CT provide direct VAT quantification.In both prevention and clinical practice, tracking waist measurements makes far more sense than relying on BMI.
Cardiology groups, including ours, are increasingly partnering with diabetes and weight management specialists to set up GLP-1 mimetic clinics. These clinics oversee VAT loss and improve glycaemic control for patients with diverse cardiac conditions. The goal is not only to help these patients manage their symptoms but also to provide a holistic approach to cardiovascular and metabolic health, with an emphasis on reducing the burden of visceral fat. Specialist clinics offer patients the chance to access personalised care that targets both fat loss and better glucose regulation, reducing the need for medications and potentially improving overall quality of life. In this blog and associated podcast and YouTube explainer, we set out some of the fundamental principles we care about.
Most men over 30 will recognise the slow but steady expansion of the waistline. Whether you call it a spare tyre, a dad bod, or just a bit of extra padding, not all belly fat is created equal — and not all of it is harmless.Some types of abdominal fat are mostly cosmetic. Others are dangerous, inflammatory, and metabolically active — the kind of fat that silently drives heart attacks, strokes, dementia, and even advanced cancers.Let’s break down the three main culprits behind the male belly — and what you can do about them.
GLP-1 therapy is most effective when paired with sustainable lifestyle improvements. That’s why our clinic operates on a shared care agreement—we commit to providing access to these powerful medications, while you commit to making meaningful changes in diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
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.
Research indicates that approximately 20% of the global population has elevated Lp(a), making it a prevalent, yet under-recognised, CVD risk factor. Despite its clinical significance, the management of elevated Lp(a) remains challenging. Standard lipid-lowering therapies, including statins, have little to no effect on Lp(a) and may even slightly increase its levels. However, emerging therapies such as PCSK9 inhibitors and innovative supplements like curcumin are shedding light on potential strategies to mitigate this risk.
An article by Dr Edward Leatham, Consultant Cardiologist. As cardiologists, our primary focus is often on diagnosing, treating, and managing cardiovascular diseases, which is essential to healthcare. However, heart health involves more than just addressing immediate conditions—it also includes promoting […]
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.
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.
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.
Annual health screenings represent a valuable investment in employee well-being, offering significant benefits for both employees and employers. If you are a company or HR director you may be interested in the UK tax breaks around annual health check, which may give you and your employees access to our cutting edge health screening programs without its costs being viewed by HMRC as benefit in kind.