A guide to your symptoms

Dr Ben Corden provides expert assessment for a wide range of cardiac symptoms.

You may be experiencing new symptoms, ongoing concerns, or a change in how you feel that has prompted further assessment. Some symptoms are benign, while others may indicate an underlying heart condition. A thorough cardiology assessment can help determine the cause, assess any associated risk, and advise on whether further investigation or treatment is needed.

Early specialist input can provide clarity and reassurance, as well as timely diagnosis and management where appropriate.

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Breathlessness / shortness of breath
Breathlessness can have multiple causes requiring expert assessment. Cardiac causes include heart failure (reduced pumping action), heart valve disease or coronary artery disease, while respiratory causes may include COPD, emphysema, asthma or lung fibrosis. Anaemia can also contribute to symptoms of breathlessness, making accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment.
Palpitations
Palpitations can indicate underlying heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias). These may include atrial fibrillation (AF), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular ectopics or ventricular tachycardia (VT). Accurate diagnosis through comprehensive cardiac assessment is essential to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Blackouts / funny turns / syncope
Blackouts require careful investigation to determine the cause. Cardiac causes include slow heart rhythms (bradycardia), fast heart rhythms (tachycardia), heart valve disease such as aortic stenosis, or left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Other common causes include vasovagal episodes (simple faints) and postural hypotension (low blood pressure when standing). Specialist assessment helps determine the underlying reason and guide appropriate management.
Chest pain
Chest pain can have various cardiac causes requiring expert evaluation. These include coronary artery disease, heart valve disease such as aortic stenosis, pericarditis (inflammation of the heart’s outer lining), and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle). Accurate diagnosis through comprehensive cardiac assessment is essential to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Ankle swelling / oedema / ascites
Ankle swelling (oedema) and fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) may indicate heart failure, where the heart’s reduced pumping function leads to fluid retention. These symptoms require prompt cardiac assessment to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment to improve your comfort and quality of life.