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 clinically indicated, an echocardiogram is usually performed the same day. Results are discussed before you leave. The appointment takes 60 to 90 minutes.

Most patients find the appointment significantly less daunting than they anticipated — and leave with a clear picture of what is, or isn't, going on.

The Structure of a First Appointment

The appointment is a conversation before it is anything else.

The consultant will start by taking a detailed history — what your symptoms are, when they started, what makes them better or worse, and whether there is a family history of heart disease. This typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.

That's followed by a physical examination: listening to your heart and lungs, checking your blood pressure, feeling your pulse and examining your ankles for swelling. None of it is uncomfortable.

A resting 12-lead ECG is performed in most cases. Electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. It takes around 9 minutes.

If an echocardiogram is clinically indicated, it can be performed at the same visit at my clinic, but there is not always time without prior warning. This is a 30 to 45 minute ultrasound of the heart.

At the end of the appointment, the consultant will go through the findings with you, answer your questions, and explain the next steps. A written report is sent to you and your GP within 24hrs, but usually same day

What to Bring

• A list of your current medications, or the boxes themselves, or photos of them
• Any previous ECG or echocardiogram results if you have them (so then you will very litkely not need another)
• Your GP referral letter, if applicable
• Insurance details and authorisation code, if using private medical insurance
• A note of your symptoms — when they started, how often they occur, and what triggers them
• Any questions
• More and more people are finding valuable previous information in their NHS app. It would be worth getting access to that prior to the appointment.

Do You Need a GP Referral?

No. You can self-refer directly without a GP letter.

If you are using private medical insurance, your insurer will usually require a GP referral to authorise the appointment. It's worth checking your policy before booking.

How Long Does It Take?

Allow 60 to 90 minutes if an echocardiogram is included. A consultation-only appointment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Will You Get Results the Same Day?

In most cases, yes. ECG results are reviewed immediately. Echocardiogram findings are discussed with you before you leave.

If further tests are needed — blood tests, a CT scan, or a longer heart monitor — those results will follow within a few days.

What Patients Say

The most consistent theme in patient feedback is feeling listened to, unhurried, and leaving with a clear understanding of their results.

"From the beginning until the end of my consultation, Dr Balerdi was highly professional, engaging and friendly. I felt at ease immediately. There was never any sense of feeling rushed at any time. He explained the rationale for the tests he recommended clearly and I felt extremely confident that I was in excellent and extremely knowledgeable hands."

"I recently saw Dr Matthew Balerdi, and I honestly couldn't have asked for a better experience. I've been struggling with worrying symptoms for a long time, and have often felt brushed off in the past, but Dr Balerdi really listened. I left the appointment feeling heard, understood and much more confident about what's going on with my body."

"After nine months of various other explanations it was a huge relief to have his diagnosis. My history was reviewed and the scan pictures gone through in detail. Everything was very well explained and I came away totally satisfied."

All reviews are verified on Doctify.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a private cardiologist?

No. You can self-refer directly without a GP letter. If you are using private medical insurance, your insurer will usually require a GP referral to authorise the appointment — check your policy before booking.

Will I get results on the day?

In most cases, yes. According to Dr. Matt Balerdi, Consultant Cardiologist, ECG results are reviewed immediately and echocardiogram findings are discussed before you leave. A written report is sent to you and your GP the same day or within 24 hours.

What should I bring to my first cardiology appointment?

Bring a list of your current medications, any previous test results, your GP referral letter if applicable, insurance details and authorisation code if using PMI, and a note of your symptoms. Access to your NHS App is also increasingly useful.

How long does a first cardiology appointment take?

A consultation-only appointment takes 30 to 45 minutes. If an echocardiogram is included, allow 60 to 90 minutes in total.

Written by Dr Matthew Balerdi FRCP, Consultant Imaging Cardiologist. GMC: 6077164. Last reviewed: April 2026.