Heart problems

The term 'heart problems' covers a range of specific heart conditions, the most common being:

coronary artery disease- a condition caused by the fatty build up of material in the coronary arteries
angina - chest pain or discomfort (which can sometimes be felt in the arm, neck, stomach or jaw) which is usually caused by coronary heart disease
heart attack - this occurs when you lose the blood flow to the heart, something which is usually caused by coronary heart disease
heart failure - when the heart fails to pump blood to the heart muscle, it can cause tiredness and shortness of breath
arrythmia - an abnormal heart rhythm
heart murmurs - sounds, sometimes unexpected or unusual, which can be heard through a stethoscope
valve disease - if the valves which open and close to regulate the flow of blood to the heart fail to work properly, it can put a strain on the heart
congenital heart disease - a heart abnormality or defect which occurs while a baby forms in the womb
inherited (genetic) heart condition - a heart condition which is passed on through families

Coronary angiogram

A coronary angiogram is a test used to look at the main arteries that supply the heart with blood and oxygen, known as the coronary arteries.

Coronary calcification scan

A coronary calcification scan is a type of X-ray that lets us look at cross sections of the heart. Images taken during the scan show the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries.

CT (computerised tomography) coronary angiography scan

A CT coronary angiography scan takes pictures of your heart and coronary arteries. This allows us to see any narrowing or blockage of the arteries around your heart.

This test monitors your heart rhythm over 24, 48 or 72 hours, or five or seven days. The monitor is about the size of a mobile phone and you will need to wear it around your waist or carry it in your ...

Coronary angioplasty

Coronary angioplasty is a procedure to unblock a coronary artery. A catheter (flexible tube) with a small balloon at the end is inserted through an artery in the groin or arm. The balloon is directed...

Primary angioplasty

Primary angioplasty is a way of clearing a blockage that is causing a heart attack by using a thin catheter to insert a stent into the artery.

Endoscopic vein harvesting

Endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) is a minimally invasive procedure that patients may have rather than traditional vein harvesting when they undergo a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).