Could Chest Tightness be a Sign of a Heart Problem?
Chest tightness is a symptom that understandably causes concern. Many people describe it as pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or a feeling that the chest is restricted. When this sensation occurs, it often raises the question of whether the heart could be involved. In some cases, chest tightness can be related to a heart problem, but there […]
What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common medical conditions worldwide and a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other vascular problems. It often causes no symptoms, which means many people are unaware they have it until it is detected during a routine check or as […]
What to Expect from a CTCA Scan
A CTCA scan, short for CT coronary angiography, is a non invasive imaging test used to assess the coronary arteries. These are the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. Many patients are referred for a CTCA scan when there is a need to understand whether chest symptoms or cardiac risk factors are linked to […]
What is a heart block?
Heart block is a condition that affects the electrical system of the heart. It occurs when the electrical signals that control the heartbeat are delayed or interrupted as they travel from the upper chambers of the heart to the lower chambers. This can result in a slower or irregular heartbeat. The term heart block can […]
What are the types of abnormal heart rhythms?
Abnormal heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmias, occur when the electrical signals that control the heartbeat become irregular. This may cause the heart to beat too fast, too slowly, or in an uncoordinated way. Many people experience rhythm disturbances at some point in their lives, and not all are dangerous. However, some require careful assessment […]
What are congenital heart conditions?
Congenital heart conditions are heart problems that are present from birth. They develop while the heart is forming during early pregnancy and affect the structure of the heart, the blood vessels around it, or the way blood flows through the heart. These conditions vary widely in type and severity. Some are detected in infancy or […]
How does a pacemaker work?
A pacemaker is a small medical device used to help control abnormal heart rhythms. Many patients feel anxious when a pacemaker is mentioned, often because they associate it with severe heart disease. In practice, pacemakers are used in a wide range of situations, and for many people they are a straightforward and effective way of […]
What to expect from a stress test?
A stress test is commonly used to assess how the heart performs when it is working harder than usual. Many patients are referred for a stress test because they have symptoms during activity, or because there is a need to understand how the heart responds to physical exertion. Although the name can sound concerning, the […]
What are the common types of heart problems?
Heart problems are common and can affect people in different ways. Some conditions develop gradually over many years, while others may present more suddenly with symptoms. Many patients worry that symptoms automatically mean serious heart disease, but in practice there is a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from mild and manageable to more significant problems […]
What to expect from an ECG test
An ECG test, also known as an electrocardiogram, is one of the most commonly used investigations in cardiology. Many patients are referred for an ECG as part of an initial assessment, either because they have symptoms or as part of a routine review. Although the test itself is straightforward, it is natural to have questions […]