Cardiology in Aberdeen

Our cardiologist will, first of all, have an in depth chat with the patient and take a full medical history in order to establish whether the symptoms could be due to a cardiovascular problem. A full physical examination is also carried out to assess the cardiovascular system.

Depending on each individual patient's symptoms, the type of diagnostic tests that could be performed may include:  

• ECG, which is a measurement of the electricity going through the heart. This relatively straightforward test can offer important insights into any potential underlying heart issue.
•  ECHO, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart. This allows the cardiologist to look at the heart’s function, including assessing the main pumping chambers as well as the function of the valves of the heart.
• Treadmill test (also known as a ‘stress test’). This is where the patient is asked to walk on an incline, which gets progressively steeper and faster. This is a good way of stressing the heart to find out if there are any signs of problems that may not be apparent at rest.If there are suspicions of heart rhythm problems, the team can arrange for appropriate monitoring of the heart. These monitors can be fitted for anything between 24 hours up to two weeks.
• CT coronary angiogram, which is a more specialist non-invasive cardiac investigations. This test looks at the coronary arteries around the heart by using a CT scanner.
• Cardiac MRI scan. This is a very sophisticated way of looking at the heart function. We can arrange for those to be performed off-site at the nearby University of Aberdeen, which Albyn Hospital has close links with. The consultant will be able to arrange this for you.

Many other diagnostic tests can be performed here at Albyn Hospital, such as blood tests, chest x-rays, blood pressure monitoring, ultrasound scans and CT scans, and will be organised if necessary.

Patients identified with having valve problems, for example, can be offered surveillance to keep an eye on the issue over time, if that’s all that is required.

If the cardiologist suspects the patient has coronary artery disease, or if they have a positive exercise test, he may recommend they have a CT coronary angiogram to assess things further.

For those with rhythm abnormalities causing palpitations, picking up any rhythm abnormality on a monitor is key, as this will help determine ongoing treatment, whether it be with medications of sometime more invasive procedures called catheter ablation. These more complex procedures might be performed elsewhere but whether this is necessary would be discussed in depth at the consultation.

• Offering a ‘one-stop’ clinic  - being able to have initial cardiology tests on the same day as the consultation. This gives a lot of reassurance for patients; they can go home on the day knowing the results of their cardiac tests.
• Expert assessment from an experienced Consultant Cardiologist. You will be seen by the same consultant throughout the entirety of their treatment journey at Albyn Hospital.
• Access to various clinics for further advice and treatment – patients visiting our cardiology clinic may also be directed to other departments for further advice and treatment.
• Treatment plans tailored to meet your individual health needs.
• You can book an initial consultation online with most of our consultants.
• *97.0% of patients said their overall experience of our service was good or very good.

^{*During the period of January to December 2023 Albyn Hospital received 2,170 completed Inpatient/Day Case patient surveys.}

Patients visit the hospital from a range of towns and cities, including Aberdeen, and from as far away as Perthshire, Inverness and the Highlands. The majority of patients are local, but because of the prevalence of the oil and gas industry, we see a lot of people coming in for occupational medicals and/or treadmill tests, which are a requirement to work offshore.

If you would like to make an appointment with our Consultant Cardiologist here at Albyn Hospital, simply call our friendly team on 01224 595993.

You can also book an initial appointment by using our handy online booking system.