Latest Advice & Insights in Cardiac Care
Evidence-based articles on cardiovascular health, written by our expert team at Dr Matthew Balerdi. Stay informed about the latest developments in cardiology and heart health.
Home blood pressure monitoring: how to do it properly
Home blood pressure monitoring: how to do it properly A home blood pressure monitor can be useful, but only if the readings are taken in a consistent way....
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
Masked hypertension: when normal clinic BP can miss the problem
Masked hypertension: when normal clinic blood pressure can miss the problem A normal blood pressure reading in clinic is reassuring, but it is not always...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
When high blood pressure needs a cardiologist
When high blood pressure needs a cardiologist Most high blood pressure can be managed well in primary care. That is important to say first. Hypertension...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
White coat hypertension: when clinic BP is high but home readings are normal
White coat hypertension: when clinic blood pressure is high but home readings are normal Some people only see high blood pressure readings in a medical...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
Apo B and Cardiovascular Risk — Clinical Interpretation and Reduction Strategies
Apolipoprotein B (apoB) counts the atherogenic particles that actually drive atherosclerosis — a more direct measure of risk than the cholesterol those...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
OSA and Diastolic Dysfunction: Deep Literature Review
Summary of Evidence The literature provides a robust, multi-layered case linking obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) to left ventricular (LV) diastolic...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
Salt Sensitivity and Hypertension: A Critical Appraisal of the Evidence
Critical Appraisal: Discrepancies and Deficiencies in Salt Sensitivity and Hypertension Research 1. Lack of Standardization in Testing Protocols No...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
What Does a Cardiologist Do at Your First Appointment?
At a first private cardiology appointment, your cardiologist will take a detailed history, examine your heart and lungs, and perform a resting ECG. If...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
How Long Is the NHS Wait for a Cardiologist?
The NHS wait for a first cardiology outpatient appointment is currently 18 to 52 weeks in many parts of England. The 18-week referral-to-treatment target...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
Private Cardiologist Costs UK: ECG, Echo & Consultation Prices
A private cardiology consultation in the UK typically costs £150–£300. An echocardiogram costs £300–£450. Most patients pay for a consultation and, if...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
Is It Worth Seeing a Private Cardiologist?
For many patients, seeing a private cardiologist is worth it primarily because of speed. NHS waiting times for a first cardiology appointment currently...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
What Does a Stress Echo Show That a Normal Echo Doesn't?
A stress echocardiogram shows what a resting echocardiogram cannot: how the heart muscle behaves when it is working hard. Coronary artery disease —...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
Is a Stress Echo Better Than a Treadmill Test?
A stress echocardiogram is more accurate than a treadmill test for detecting coronary artery disease. The stress echo has a sensitivity of around 80–85%...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
Understanding Your Lipoprotein(a) Result
Introduction If you've recently had a blood test that included Lipoprotein(a) — often written as Lp(a) — and your result came back elevated, you may...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
Vagus Nerve Reset: A Guide to the Stanley Rosenberg Exercises
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body, running from the brainstem through the neck, chest, and abdomen. It plays a crucial role in...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
Intermittent Lightheadedness: Advice and Management
Overview Intermittent lightheadedness is a common symptom that can often be managed with simple lifestyle adjustments. The following advice is intended to...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
My New Tablets Are Making Me Feel Unwell — What Should I Do?
Overview Starting a new medication can sometimes cause side effects that make you feel unwell. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do if you think...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
Will I Experience Plaque Regression on Statins?
Introduction One of the most common questions patients ask when starting statin therapy is whether their existing coronary plaque will actually shrink....
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
Sleep Hygiene: Advice for Better Sleep
What is Sleep Hygiene? Sleep hygiene refers to the habits and practices that support regular, high-quality sleep. Good sleep hygiene can significantly...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
White Coat Hypertension: What Does It Mean for My Future?
Introduction Being told you have "white coat hypertension" — blood pressure that is elevated in the clinic but normal at home — can be both...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
Coronary Calcification on a Lung Health Check: What should be done?
Introduction The Targeted Lung Health Check (TLHC) program was designed to detect lung cancer in the early stages and improve outcomes. What we have seen...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi
The Truth of Chilling: Heart risks and benefits of cold water exposure
Introduction In clinic last week, a patient asked whether they could begin cold water swimming following their bout of a particular heart problem. Whilst...
By Dr Matthew Balerdi