Wessex Cardiology

Patient information

Wessex Cardiology LLP recommends the British Heart Foundation and the BBC as sources of information for patients with heart disease and their carers. In addition, the American College of Cardiology of which two of our partners are Fellows, have a dedicated patient website, Cardiosmart. You might also be interested in "Heart Care Partnership" a national representative body for patients and carers.

Heart Failure

Heart failure is a serious medical condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood around the body to fulfil all the body’s requirements. Patients typically present with a combination of breathlessness and fatigue and this may be associated with swelling of the ankles or the abdomen. Heart failure is a common condition which affects 1-2% of the UK population and becomes more common as patients grow older. The average age of a heart failure patient in the UK is 76 years but it can affect people of all ages. Heart failure is commonly due to a heart muscle weakness, which may have been caused by a heart attack or a more generalised muscle weakness (a cardiomyopathy). Valve disease (a leaking or narrowed valve) and high blood pressure can also lead to heart failure.

Whilst heart failure is a very serious condition, many treatment options are available including a variety of medications which have been shown to improve symptoms and make patients live longer. Certain patients will also benefit from specialised pacemakers (biventricular pacemaker or cardiac resynchronisation therapy), implantable defibrillators and a few patients may benefit from cardiac surgery. Patients often benefit from frequent careful monitoring and gradual changes in medications. With modern therapies, most patients can lead independent fulfilling lives.

Further information on heart failure

Stress Echocardiography

Stress Echocardiography is a test which uses ultrasound of the heart combined with a stress test (either exercise of a drug infusion which simulates the effect of exercise) to determine the blood flow to areas of the heart muscle and the presence and extent of scar tissue within the heart muscle. It is a sophistocated investigation which requires a high level of expertise to perform and interpret the results. Wessex Cardiology has consultants who have not only a high level of expertise in this area but also an international reputation for stress echocardiography. If you are undergoing this investigation, you can download an information sheet below.

Documents

• Stress Echocardiography

  Type: pdf
  Size: 24.32KB

  Patient information leaflet for Stress Echocardiography

Coronary Angiography

General patient information on Coronary Angiography is available on the British Heart Foundation website.

Permanent Pacemaker

Pacemakers are most commonly required for patients with a history of collapse or dizzy spells, when ECG monitoring shows that this is due to a slow heart rate. A pacemaker comprises two main components, the “pacemaker box” which contains a battery and electrical circuit, and the pacing leads (usually one or two leads are required) which are passed along a blood vessel to the heart. The wires can sense when the heart beats normally and if the heart beats too slowly they can produce an electrical impulse to stimulate the heart. The pacemaker box is usually sited under the skin on the upper chest below the collar bone. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic with sedation if needed. Patients usually need to stay one night in hospital.

A new type of pacemaker, known as a biventricular pacemaker or cardiac resynchronisation therapy is available for certain patients with heart failure. This usually requires 3 leads and improves the timing of the heart which usually leads to improved quality of life and has been shown to prolong life. These pacemakers are only suitable for certain individuals; whether you would benefit from one of these devices should be discussed with your Consultant.

Further information on pacing

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

General patient information on PCI, which is also known as Coronary Angioplasty or PTCA. You can also download our patient information leaflet below.

Document

• PCI information leaflet

  Type: pdf
  Size: 50.03KB

  Patient information leaflet for PCI

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Many patients benefit from Cardiac Rehabilitation following heart surgery or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. More information on Cardiac Rehabilitation and where to find your local group.