Cardiology in Bromley

Cardiologists treat issues related to the heart and blood vessels. The serious nature of the associated conditions can make any symptoms associated with heart disease particularly worrying for you, adding immense stress and anxiety to an already difficult time. That’s why at The Sloane Hospital, our highly experienced specialists prioritise seeing you rapidly for an assessment of your symptoms and a full, accurate diagnosis.

With a clear outline for further investigations and personalised treatment plans, our cardiologists can help ease your mind, providing reassurance and relief from symptoms for patients based in Beckenham, Kent, and across central London.

Symptoms of heart disease are varied but may include:

• Palpitations (racing of the heart)
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Light headedness
• Fainting
• Chest pain
• Ankle or leg swelling

Even if you haven’t been experiencing symptoms, you may also wish to see a specialist for reassurance, especially if you have a family history of heart disease. If coronary artery disease has been a factor for one of your close relatives, or you have issues such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, seeing a specialist for a wellness check may help to ease any of your concerns.  

These symptoms could indicate the presence of a heart disorder or disease, including:

• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Angina (chest pain caused by clogging/blockage of the arteries)
• Cardiomyopathy (thickening of the heart walls)
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Heart valve disease
• High blood pressure
• Congenital heart conditions (abnormalities present from birth)
• Inherited/family heart conditions

With extensive diagnostics available at The Sloane Hospital, and expert consultants highly experienced in making accurate diagnoses of heart conditions, you’ll receive a full diagnosis as soon as possible, enabling you to start any necessary treatment at your earliest convenience. Why not take advantage of this premier service and book a consultation with one of our cardiologists today? 

Many conditions can be managed effectively with prescription medication, which can be picked up on-site at our dedicated pharmacy. Other conditions may require surgical intervention, such as the placement of a stent (to keep open a blocked coronary artery) or a pacemaker, which can be arranged elsewhere by your consultant.

By seeing us privately at The Sloane Hospital, you’ll benefit from the fact that all appointments are consultant-led and consultant-delivered. This means when you choose your consultant, you will see them face to face for an individualised service, ensuring high quality care is delivered for your specific needs at all times. 

When you meet your cardiologist for your first appointment, lasting roughly 30 minutes, you will have the opportunity to talk about the concerns you have, highlighting any symptoms you’ve been experiencing. Your consultant will take a detailed medical history, and may ask questions such as:

• What symptoms have you noticed?
• How long have you had these symptoms?
• Have you had any previous heart concerns?
• Do you have a family history of heart problems?
• Are your symptoms worse after exertion/exercise?
• Have your symptoms been getting increasingly frequent?
• Have you received any other treatment yet?

This will normally be followed by a physical examination, during which your consultant will check your blood pressure. Diagnostic scans will be required if you have reported any of the notable symptoms of a heart condition, such as chest pain, shortness of breath or palpitations; some of these can be arranged on-site.

An ECG (Electrocardiogram) is the standard exam for anyone presenting with cardiovascular symptoms. This involves sensors being placed around your body which track the electrical activity of your heart and shows the rate at which your heart beats. This is often done during your initial consultation within the clinic, and no preparation is needed beforehand. A variety of heart diseases can be detected this way, such as arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, heart attack and coronary heart disease.

Sometimes, your symptoms may only appear under specific circumstances, or at certain times of the day. In these cases, ambulatory heart monitoring can be used, which monitors and records your heart rate over a set period of time in order to highlight when the issues occur. 24, 48, and 72-hour monitoring is available for you to wear and take home, along with 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, allowing your consultant to report back on findings once the test is complete.

Blood tests may be required in order to measure your blood levels and assess for certain conditions. These tests will be sent to the laboratory for analysis, with rapid turnaround times for results.

Further investigative tests can then be arranged at other local sites if necessary, and your consultant will oversee these with you. Potential tests include:

• Echocardiogram (ultrasound scan of the heart)
• MRI scan
• CT Coronary Angiogram (dye injection through a catheter to highlight blocked arteries)

Once all results are back, your consultant will be able to make a confirmed diagnosis, and they will see you for a follow-up appointment in order to discuss the findings, allowing them to explain your condition to you and outline potential treatment plans.

Any medication required can be picked up at our on-site pharmacy, allowing you to get started on treatment right away. If more invasive measures are needed, such as surgery, your consultant can discuss your options with you and help you prepare. 

Most of our private patients are from Beckenham or the surrounding areas, although excellent train access from Central London makes it convenient to travel to us from London.

People are usually referred to us by their GP or are recommended to us by a friend or family member. You can also self-refer.

We treat people with private medical insurance and self-pay patients.

When you visit The Sloane Hospital for your private cardiology appointment, you will benefit from:

• Fast access – For many heart conditions, treatment at the earliest possible stage is vital. We can arrange an appointment for you with an experienced Consultant Cardiologist without delay so that you can start any treatment needed as soon as possible.
• Consultant-led care – Your Consultant will oversee every aspect of your care, from initial appointment and diagnosis through to treatment planning, treatment and post-treatment review. If any adjustments are needed to your treatment at any stage, this is easily done.
• Patient satisfaction – 96.3% of patients in 2020 said they would happily recommend Princess Margaret Hospital to friends and family in an independent report, and we’re confident that you’ll agree.
• Extensive diagnostics – No matter what heart condition and symptoms you have, our wide range of diagnostic tests and scans will help provide an accurate diagnosis. Whether in our state-of-the-art Imaging department, or off-site for more specialist scans, our consultants will manage all investigations to bring you definitive answers for your concerns.
• Convenient appointments – Cardiology appointments can be booked at a time that is convenient for you. Most people choose to have their appointment at the hospital, but we can provide remote consultations by telephone or video if required (and where clinically appropriate).
• Free parking on-site – Our car park is free for patients and visitors and has 20 spaces. With easy access via public transport from central London, travelling to The Sloane is convenient for everyone. 

If you have any concerns about the health of your heart, whether because of a family history of problems or because of worrying new symptoms, our consultants can help. Why not book your private cardiology appointment today? We look forward to welcoming you to The Sloane Hospital soon.