What happens at a first cardiology appointment?
A first cardiology appointment is designed to answer three questions: what might be causing your symptoms, whether there is evidence of heart disease, and what should happen next. It is not just a quick check of the heart. The consultation combines your history, examination, ECG and, when needed, imaging.
This guide explains how Dr Mark Cassar structures a first private cardiology consultation.
How to prepare
It helps to bring:
- a list of symptoms, including when they started and what triggers them;
- a list of medications, including doses;
- previous ECGs, blood tests, scan reports or clinic letters if available;
- hospital discharge summaries if you have recently attended hospital;
- a note of family history, especially early heart disease or sudden cardiac death.
Wear clothing that allows easy access to the chest if an ECG or echocardiogram is needed. Fasting is not usually required unless you have been specifically told otherwise.
The history: understanding the symptom pattern
The first part of the consultation is a detailed history. This covers the symptom itself, but also risk factors, family history, lifestyle, medication and what you are hoping to get from the appointment.
Common reasons for referral include palpitations, chest pain, breathlessness, blackouts, cholesterol concerns, blood pressure, abnormal ECG findings and heart murmurs.
Examination and ECG
The examination usually includes blood pressure, pulse assessment, listening to the heart and lungs, and checking for signs of fluid retention or valve disease.
An ECG is often performed during the same visit. It is quick and painless. It records the heart’s electrical activity and can show rhythm problems, previous heart damage, conduction disease or patterns that suggest further testing is needed.
Will an echocardiogram be done on the day?
If clinically indicated, Dr Cassar can perform an echocardiogram during the consultation. This is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It can assess pumping function, valve narrowing or leakage, chamber size and the pressure effects of some heart conditions.
Not every patient needs an echocardiogram. The decision depends on the symptoms, examination and ECG.
What happens after the consultation?
At the end of the appointment, Dr Cassar will explain the likely diagnosis or differential diagnosis, whether further tests are needed, and what the plan is. Some patients need reassurance and risk factor management. Others need further imaging such as cardiac CT, cardiac MRI, Holter monitoring or blood tests.
A written report is sent after the consultation. Follow-up is arranged if results need review or treatment needs adjustment.
When private cardiology assessment may help
Private assessment may be useful when symptoms are persistent, when previous results need specialist interpretation, or when a timely plan would help. Dr Cassar sees patients at Candover Clinic and The Hampshire Clinic in Basingstoke, and The Berkshire Clinic in Reading.
Further details are available on the appointments page.
