Stress is an unavoidable part of modern life. We encounter it at work, at home, in traffic, and even while reading the news. Although we often discuss stress casually, its impact on the human body is profound—particularly on the cardiovascular system. In this article, we will explore how stress affects the heart and blood vessels, drawing on clinical insights, expanding scientific knowledge, and practical stress-management strategies. By the end, you will see why stress is a critical factor in any heart health strategy, along with steps you can take to mitigate its harmful effects.

Read the blog article

Over the past decade, healthcare has experienced a remarkable evolution in how patients are monitored and managed remotely. Although the Covid-19 pandemic may have accelerated this trend, it is clear that even before the pandemic—when visits to see the doctor occasionally became nigh on impossible—modern technology was already paving the way for clinicians, particularly cardiologists, to care for their patients within the comfort of their own homes. By sending biometric and medical data through various monitoring devices to user-friendly dashboards, cardiology teams have been able to watch over patients without necessarily requiring them to come to clinic. This approach offers immense benefits: it minimises physical travel to the hospital or clinic, ensures timely interventions for emerging issues, and empowers patients to take greater responsibility for their own health.

Blog article

Having a stent or bypass is not the end of the story—it is the beginning of a new chapter in managing your cardiovascular health. With the right combination of medications, lifestyle changes, rehabilitation programmes, and vigilant follow-up using advanced diagnostic techniques, you can greatly reduce your risk of future events. Stay engaged with your healthcare team, keep informed about new therapies and guidelines, and commit to sustainable lifestyle adjustments to ensure the best possible long-term health.

Read the full blog article

The body’s natural “fight or flight” response is crucial for survival in dangerous situations. This response increases heart rate, boosts blood pressure, and diverts blood to muscles, preparing us for rapid action. However, in modern life, where many people feel overstimulated, this response is often triggered unnecessarily—by stress, anxiety, or medical conditions—leading to elevated heart rates, and the symptom of palpitation. Beta-blockers step in to limit this excessive sympathetic drive, helping to restore a healthier, more stable internal state.

Read the full article here

A “statin holiday” involves temporarily discontinuing your statin medication—typically for four to six weeks—to observe whether your symptoms improve. This break can provide valuable insights into whether statins are the culprit or if other factors, such as unrelated medical conditions or lifestyle changes, are contributing to your symptoms. The blog and podcast explain how a simple visual diary can be used to help assess the impact of the N-of-1 trial.

However, it’s essential to discuss this approach with your healthcare provider before making any changes. Stopping statins abruptly without a plan may increase your cardiovascular risk, especially if you have a history of heart disease or other high-risk factors.

Read more

Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, is one of the oldest and most widely used medications in the world.

Well known for its analgesic effects, it was later discovered to be effective (in much smaller doses) in preventing platelet aggregation that had a pivotal role in arterial thrombosis.

Its role in inhibiting platelet activity has made it a cornerstone in the prevention and treatment of arterial thrombosis. In this article, we will explore the fascinating role of platelets in acute coronary thrombosis, the mechanisms by which aspirin exerts its protective effects, and the clinical considerations for its use.

https://www.scvc.co.uk/naked-heart/aspirin/

The timing of intervention in aortic stenosis is critical. Delaying surgery or transcatheter procedures until symptoms become severe or complications arise can lead to poorer outcomes. Conversely, intervening too early may expose patients to unnecessary procedural risks. For exceptionally fit individuals aged 75-85, timely intervention can be particularly advantageous, as they may tolerate surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) better than expected for their age. In these cases, earlier treatment may prevent irreversible damage to the heart and reduce the risks associated with waiting until the disease progresses further.

Read the full article

The aortic valve is the ‘non return’ valve positioned to prevent oxygenated blood leaving the heart from refluxing back into the heart after each heart contraction. When this valve narrows, it restricts the flow of blood leaving the heart in a condition known as ‘aortic stenosis’.

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a progressive and potentially life-threatening condition. It predominantly affects older adults and has significant implications for cardiovascular health, life expectancy, and quality of life. The incidence of AS is climbing because of increased life expectancy. Timely intervention, especially in symptomatic patients or those with progressing stenosis, is essential to optimise outcomes. This article explores the nuances of AS diagnosis, treatment decisions, and the importance of patient involvement in the care pathway.

Read the article