Your cardiologist
About Dr Mark Cassar - Consultant Cardiologist in Hampshire
Clinical background and specialist expertise
Dr Mark Philip Cassar (MD, PhD, MRCP) is a consultant cardiologist at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, providing private cardiology consultations at Candover Clinic and The Hampshire Clinic, both in Basingstoke. He trained in cardiology and general internal medicine in Oxford and Berkshire, with specialist expertise in heart valve disease and cardiac imaging.
Dr Cassar holds advanced accreditation across the three main cardiac imaging techniques: echocardiography, cardiac MRI and cardiac CT. This breadth of imaging experience helps him choose the most appropriate investigation for each clinical question, rather than defaulting to a single test.
He is a member of the Wessex Regional Valve MDT, where complex valve cases are reviewed by a specialist team. His private practice focuses on careful assessment, clear explanation and practical next steps for patients with symptoms, known heart disease or cardiovascular risk concerns.
Research and academic work
Dr Cassar holds a PhD from the University of Oxford, where he researched the effects of viral illness, including COVID-19, on the heart and other organs. His work at the Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research included national studies funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the British Heart Foundation.
His Long COVID research has been widely cited and contributed to the evidence base considered in national guidance. He has authored more than 58 peer-reviewed publications, including papers in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Radiology, Brain and Nature Communications.
His full publication record is available via his ORCID profile and ResearchGate.
Specialist Training and Qualifications
Dr Cassar completed his specialist training in Cardiology and General Internal Medicine at Oxford University Hospitals and the Royal Berkshire Hospital, gaining broad experience across all areas of heart disease while developing deep expertise in cardiac imaging. He is on the GMC Specialist Register for Cardiology. His qualifications include:
– CCT in Cardiology and General Internal Medicine – Certificate of Completion of Training, the final milestone of UK specialist training
– DPhil (PhD) in Medical Sciences, University of Oxford
– Level 3 Cardiac MRI Accreditation – SCMR, the highest international standard
– Level 3 Cardiac CT Accreditation – BSCI/BSCCT, the highest UK standard
– Transthoracic Echocardiography Accreditation – BSE, advanced practitioner level
– MRCP (UK) – Membership of the Royal College of Physicians
– Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MD), University of Malta
This triple accreditation across echocardiography, cardiac MRI and cardiac CT is held by very few cardiologists in the UK. For patients, it means Dr Cassar has the training and experience to offer the full range of cardiac investigations, so you get the right test first time.
Professional roles and awards
Dr Cassar’s professional roles and awards include:
- UK Representative to the European Society of Cardiology for echocardiography
- Executive Committee Member, British Society of Cardiovascular Imaging (BSCI)
- BSE Examiner for echocardiography accreditation
- Member of the BSE Workforce and Leadership Committee
- WOW Award, Hampshire Hospitals NHS FT, for patient care
- First place, National Cardiovascular Imaging Quiz, BSCI/BSCCT
- First place, BSE Transoesophageal Echocardiography Exam
- Junior Reviewer of the Year, European Heart Journal: Case Reports
These roles reflect ongoing involvement in clinical practice, imaging standards, education and service development.
Areas of Clinical Expertise
Dr Cassar offers comprehensive assessment and treatment for a wide range of cardiac conditions:
General Cardiology
- Chest pain assessment and management
- Shortness of breath evaluation
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- High cholesterol and cardiovascular risk assessment
- Heart failure diagnosis and management
- Palpitations and heart rhythm disorders
- Fatigue related to cardiac causes
Specialist Expertise
- Valvular Heart Disease – Dr Cassar is a recognised expert in heart valve disorders including aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and valve disease assessment
- Advanced Cardiac Imaging – Extensive expertise in echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and cardiac CT scanning
- Preventive Cardiology – Cardiovascular risk stratification and lifestyle modification
Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Services
Dr Cassar delivers state-of-the-art cardiac imaging:
Echocardiography
- Transthoracic Echocardiography
- Stress Echocardiography
- Contrast Echocardiography
- Transoesophageal Echocardiography
Cardiac CT
- Coronary artery calcium scoring
- CT coronary angiography
- Structural heart disease assessment
- Pre-procedural planning
Cardiac MRI
- Myocardial viability studies
- Cardiomyopathy assessment
- Myocarditis evaluation
- Cardiac masses and tumours
Research and Innovation
Beyond clinical practice, Dr Cassar remains active in cardiovascular research, contributing to our understanding of:
- Long-term cardiac effects of viral infections
- Heart valve disease mechanisms
- Advanced cardiac imaging techniques
- Cardiovascular risk prediction
His research has been funded by prestigious organisations including the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), which has directly influenced clinical practice guidelines.
Appointments and consultations
Dr Cassar provides private cardiology consultations at Candover Clinic and The Hampshire Clinic in Basingstoke, welcoming patients from Winchester and across Hampshire. He offers comprehensive cardiac assessments, diagnostic imaging interpretation, and personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
For appointments or enquiries, please visit our contact page.
Dr Cassar is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and holds a Certificate of Completion of Training in Cardiology and General Internal Medicine. He maintains active involvement in continuing professional development and stays current with the latest advances in cardiovascular medicine.