Coronary heart disease

An angiography (or cardiac catheterisation) is a test that can detect blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries.

Waiting for blood tests and results can be an anxious time. If you’ve been referred by a GP for a test and don’t want to worry or wait, Nuffield Health can help. Our national network of fully accredited laboratories delivers fast, reliable results at a competitive price – wherever you are in the UK.

CT calcium scoring is a CT scan to check for deposits or build-up of plaque on the walls of your coronary arteries (arteries that supply blood to your heart).

Your doctor or healthcare professional may recommend a CT scan (also known as a CAT scan) because it is the best way for us to make an accurate diagnosis for certain conditions.

An electrophysiology study is a procedure to diagnose and treat an arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat.

You may benefit from a cardiovascular risk profile if you have high risk factors for heart disease or stroke.

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound procedure to examine your heart and its function including the level of blood flow.

An ECG (Electrocardiogram) measures the electrical activity of the heart and gives important information about the rate and regularity of beats, the size and position of the chambers and any damage to the heart.

If a normal ECG does not reveal any problems your consultant may recommend measuring your heart activity over 24 hours, 48 hours or 7 days using an event monitor.

Family history screening may be done for a number of reasons including a family history of cancers or heart disease.

The value of exercise in improving the quality of life is now well recognised.

Your doctor or healthcare professional has recommended an MRI scan because it is the best way to make an accurate diagnosis of your condition.

This involves the surgical opening of a vein to withdraw blood.

A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is a diagnostic ultrasound test to look at the valves of your heart.

Our General Well Person Screen is a panel of tests to assess overall health.

An X-ray machine produces a burst of high energy radiation which passes through the body to produce an image on a film or detector.

Sometimes plaque begins to build up on the walls of your arteries causing them to narrow and restricting the flow of blood.

Cardiac clinical pharmacology involves the prescribing and monitoring of drugs used to treat a variety of cardiac conditions.

Following a heart attack or after some surgical procedures your consultant may recommend cardiac rehabilitation.

Sometimes plaque begins to build up on the walls of the arteries supplying blood and oxygen to the head and neck.

Coronary angioplasty (or PCI) is a procedure to re-open a narrowed heart artery by inflating a tiny balloon in the narrowed segments.

If conservative methods to treat your angina are not successful your consultant may recommend coronary artery bypass graft.

If you have had heart failure in the past or if you are at risk of heart failure your surgeon may recommend an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronisation therapy.

Interventional cardiology includes procedures performed on the heart using catheterisation (tiny, flexible tubes).

Interventional radiology is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery that uses radiological image guidance (X-rays, ultrasound, CT and MRI) to aid treatment.

Left atrial appendage occlusion aims to prevent blood clot formation in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation.

Occupational therapy involves treating or training physically or emotionally ill people of all ages.

Right catheterisation involves inserting a very thin tube into the right side of your heart.