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 […]
What are the links between family and heart disease?
Family history plays an important role in understanding an individual’s risk of developing heart disease. Many patients ask whether heart problems run in families and what that might mean for them personally. The answer is rarely straightforward. Family history can increase risk, but it does not determine outcome on its own. Careful assessment is needed […]
What are cardiac risk factors?
Cardiac risk factors are characteristics or conditions that increase the likelihood of developing heart disease over time. They do not mean that someone will definitely develop a heart problem, but they help explain why some people are at higher risk than others. Understanding these risk factors allows patients and clinicians to make informed decisions about […]