High cholesterol is one of the most important risk factors for heart disease. Cholesterol plays a vital role in the body, but when levels become elevated it can contribute to the development of plaque within the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. Over time, this plaque buildup can increase the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems . Understanding when cholesterol should be treated – and how risk can be assessed – is an important part of maintai

Many people wonder whether they should have their heart checked, particularly if they have risk factors such as high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease. A heart health check can help assess your risk of developing cardiovascular disease  and identify whether any investigations or treatments may be helpful to reduce that risk. Heart disease often develops silently over many years, so identifying problems early can be an important step in protecting long-term heal

A CT coronary angiogram is an advanced heart scan that allows doctors to examine the coronary arteries , which supply blood to the heart muscle. The test uses a specialised CT scanner and contrast dye to create highly detailed images of the arteries, helping to identify any narrowing or plaque buildup. This scan has become one of the most important tools in modern cardiology and is widely used to investigate chest pain  and assess the risk of coronary artery disease . Why Mig

A calcium score is a specialised CT scan that measures the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. The presence of calcium can indicate the early stages of coronary artery disease, even before symptoms develop. This test is often used to help assess a person’s risk of heart attack  and can provide valuable information about long-term heart health. Why Does Calcium Appear in the Coronary Arteries? Over time, fatty deposits known as p

Palpitations are a common symptom and are often described as an awareness of the heartbeat. Some people notice a rapid heartbeat, while others describe a pounding, fluttering, or irregular sensation in the chest. In many cases palpitations are harmless and may be related to stress, caffeine, or fatigue. However, they can occasionally be caused by an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), which is why persistent or troubling symptoms may benefit from medical assessment. What Do P

Chest pain is a common reason for people to seek medical advice. While it can sometimes be caused by a heart problem, in many cases it is due to less serious conditions such as muscle strain, acid reflux, or anxiety. Understanding when chest pain needs further assessment can help provide reassurance and ensure that important conditions are not missed. Common Causes of Chest Pain There are many possible causes of chest discomfort. Some of the most common include: Musculoskelet

Introduction: One of the questions that comes up all the time in patients I see in my clinic, relates to exercise and specifically what types of exercise they should be doing, how much exercise they should be doing and is it safe to exercise at all? I know that people struggle to access relevant content and guidelines relating to this issue. There are clinical guidelines produced which outlines and advises about the duration and type of exercise, although these are written in