When people hear the term congenital heart conditions , they often assume it refers to a rare or highly complex medical problem. In reality, congenital heart conditions simply describe structural differences in the heart that are present from birth. These conditions vary widely, from mild abnormalities that cause few symptoms to more complex problems that require specialised care. Understanding congenital heart conditions  can help people recognise how these conditions develo

When patients hear the term cardiomyopathy , it often sounds unfamiliar and worrying. In simple terms, cardiomyopathy refers to diseases that affect the heart muscle  itself. These conditions can change the way the heart muscle works, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively around the body. The heart is a remarkably resilient organ, but like any muscle it can become weakened, thickened, or stiff under certain circumstances. When this happens, it may lead to s

When people think about heart disease , they often imagine a single condition. In reality, the heart can be affected by a wide range of problems, each involving different parts of the cardiovascular system. Understanding the common heart conditions  that affect patients today can help people recognise symptoms earlier and take meaningful steps to protect their heart health. One of the most encouraging aspects of modern cardiology is that many heart conditions are manageable,

When the heart’s rhythm becomes too slow or irregular, it can affect how efficiently blood circulates around the body. Patients often notice symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness , or episodes of fainting . In these situations, one of the most effective treatments available is a pacemaker . Many people are understandably curious about how pacemakers help regulate the heart. A pacemaker is a small medical device designed to support the heart’s natural electrical system. It ensur

When patients are referred for a CT coronary angiography scan , one of the first questions they ask me is whether the test will be uncomfortable or complicated. The reassuring answer is that it is a straightforward and highly informative investigation that allows us to look closely at the arteries supplying blood to the heart. Modern imaging technology has transformed the way we assess heart disease . A CT coronary angiography scan allows doctors to detect narrowing or blocka

When patients hear the phrase cardiac stress test , they often imagine something demanding or uncomfortable. In reality, the test is carefully controlled and designed to help us understand how your heart performs during physical activity. Your heart works harder whenever you exercise. A cardiac stress test allows doctors to observe how the heart responds when it needs to pump faster and deliver more oxygen to the body. This information can reveal issues that may not appear wh

When patients are referred for an ECG test , one of the first things they ask me is whether it will be uncomfortable or complicated. The answer is reassuringly simple. An ECG is one of the quickest and most straightforward heart tests we perform in cardiology. In fact, the entire process usually takes only a few minutes. It is painless, non-invasive, and provides valuable information about how your heart is functioning. Understanding what happens during an ECG test can help r

When I meet patients for the first time, one of the questions I always ask is about their family history. Many people are surprised by how important that conversation is. Your genetics can offer valuable clues about your long-term cardiovascular health. A family history influence heart health in ways that are both powerful and complex. If close relatives have experienced heart disease , particularly at a younger age, your own risk may be higher. However, this does not mean he

When patients ask me what really causes heart disease, they often expect a complicated answer. In reality, the biggest risk factors for heart disease are often the everyday habits and health conditions that quietly influence your heart over many years. The encouraging news is that most of these risk factors are modifiable. In other words, there are practical steps you can take to lower your risk. As a cardiologist, I always emphasise that prevention is far more powerful than

Most people who experience heart attacks will usually have associated risk factors which puts them at a higher risk of developing...

In his role as Chief Medical Advisor for Heart Research UK, Dr Jogiya spoke to the Mirror Newspaper about maintaining a good and balanced...