Hi, Nate and Jonathan discussed heart checks in a recent podcast; Could anyone recommend a source of heart screening in the North Midlands of the UK? I’m 50, keen to keep training and think it would be a good idea. I’ve spoke to my GP but don’t seem to be taken seriously, perhaps because I’m not ill. I’ve spoken to a few private medical practitioners but they don’t seem to offer anything of this kind without a referal from a doctor.
What sort of screening do you want? There will be more options for a simple ECG than for a cardiac MRI or CT scan, but there are plenty of places around the north midlands that have the equipment & medics to offer the services.
You can self refer for pretty much all such screening these days, if you are paying the bill.
Nuffield, Spire, Vista are amongst the providers that will help to relieve you of your money in exchange for arranging such tests, but it is generally more cost effective to approach the actual service provider directly.
While I can’t speak specifically for the UK, after being not as kind to my heart for many years, and having 2 young children, I’ve been on a bit of a preventative health kick the last couple years. I recalled a run a few years ago where I experienced a little chest pain.
I simply referenced having some chest pain and concern wanting more testing. Most healthcare providers will take this claim pretty seriously and within a couple weeks I had a full blood screen, ultrasound, and CT scan with contrast. All checked out perfectly (I’m 36).
I found out who the heart specialist was at the local private hospital, checked his reputation and booked a check up with him. It consisted of an ECG, ultrasound, etc, about an hour in duration. I’ve since gone back to see him, I’m working on an every 2 years as a rough plans for a routine check up.
Thanks, I’ll give these a try.
In the US, I had what is called a coronary calcium score (CAC) done. It measures the amount of calcium buildup in your coronary arteries, and the amount is supposed to correlate with potential plaque buildup in your coronary arteries. This in turn can give you an estimated risk for the possibility of a major coronary event (ie, heart attack) compared to people of a similar age.
But, beware because endurance athletes can sometimes have abnormally high CAC scores without actual coronary artery disease. It happened to me. My CAC score was over 400, and this put me above the 90th percentile for being at risk for a heart attack. My cardiologist next ordered an echocardiogram and a CT cardiac artery angiography. The CT scan was most welcome as it showed my coronary arteries to be 100% open.
Quite a way South from you (Bristol) but I used these guys a few years ago:
I saw Professor Graham Stuart who was the medical director at the time and was very good. Looks like a different chap is now fulfilling that role, but I’d expect him to also be good. My investigations were covered by medical insurance since I’d been having some palpitations, but I deliberately chose a sports specialist and I think that was useful.
Thanks for all the responses. The comments recieved have strengthened my resolve to get this done now.
Drop Ralph a message here https://elitehealthdoctors.com/ he’s down to earth, local to you, and maybe able to help.