Heart Failure
Symptoms

Heart Failure - Birmingham Cardiology

Cardiology Consultation

Heart failure is a condition where the pumping action of the heart becomes less efficient. The main symptom of heart failure is breathlessness but ankle swelling and fatigue can also be important symptoms. If you have a history of heart problems in the past you may be at risk of developing heart failure. If you have ever had a heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of heart problems you may be at risk of developing heart failure. If you already have a diagnosis of heart failure then there are a number of new and up-and-coming treatments that can potentially be offered to help improve both symptoms and prognosis. If you would like to find out more please use the contact page here.

There are a number of tests used to help diagnose heart failure.

  1. Blood tests

    A Natriuretic peptide test is a useful blood test to help determine if someone has heart failure. If the test is normal it is highly unlikely heart failure is present and other causes for symptoms must be investigated. It is a simple blood test and the results can usually be available in a few days.

  2. Echocardiogram

    An echocardiogram is also called a heart ultrasound test and is used to directly visualise the heart muscle and heart valves. It involves using a probe and some gel on the chest wall to view the heart on a screen. It is completely painless and helps determine how efficiently the heart is working. It can also provide information on the heart valves. The results are available immediately and this test is very useful to provide a quick diagnosis. It can also be useful in other conditions such as high blood pressure. The test is also useful if you have a heart murmur.

  3. Cardiac MRI

    This is a specialised scan of the heart using a magnetic resonance scanner. It provides greater detail about the function of the heart and the valves as well as additional information about the degree of scarring in the heart. It does involve the patient lying in an enclosed space for 45 minutes to 1 hour and holding their breath periodically.

Book an Appointment

Please enter your details below and include a brief summary of the problem and convenient days and times for you to see Dr Hamaad privately.

Patients can be seen in The Priory Hospital, Spire Hospital in Little Aston or The Chamberlain Clinic.

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Dr. Ali Hamaad is a recognised specialist
with the below insurance companies:

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Vitality Health Insurance
Simply Health Insurance
Police Health Mutual
Bupa Insurance
Cigna Health Insurance
AXA PPP Health Insurance
Aviva Health Insurance

Why see a specialist privately?

You may already have been referred to see a specialist at your local NHS hospital. However, you may be waiting several weeks for your appointment and that is several weeks of worry that can be avoided by seeking a private consultation. A private appointment can be made within a few days and you can avoid weeks of unnecessary waiting. You can also pick a day and time for your appointment that suits you without having to take a day off work.

Another advantage of seeing a specialist privately is that you get to see the consultant you want to and not a trainee or junior doctor.

Disclaimer/privacy policy
This website and content are meant for guidance and not a replacement for a clinical consultation. If you are worried about any aspect of your health or are concerned you have a heart condition please see a doctor without delay.
Any queries submitted through this website are secure and patient confidentiality is respected at all times.