Contents
Cardiovascular Disease
Overview
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) covers conditions that damage the heart and blood vessels—coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias and peripheral arterial disease. Left unchecked, CVD is the leading cause of heart attack and stroke, but most risks are modifiable with timely diagnosis and targeted treatment.
At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, Aylesbury you receive consultant‑led assessment, fast laboratory and imaging tests, and integrated dietetic and rehabilitation support in one convenient private setting.
Why Early Action Matters
- Prevents heart attack, stroke and sudden cardiac death
- Controls high blood pressure and cholesterol before they injure arteries
- Reduces symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness and fatigue
- Protects kidneys, brain and eyesight from vascular damage
- Improves energy, mobility and quality of life
Symptoms You Might Notice
- Chest discomfort or pressure—especially on exertion or stress
- Shortness of breath, swollen ankles or sudden weight gain
- Palpitations, fluttering or missed beats
- Dizziness, blackouts or near‑faints
- Leg pain when walking (claudication) or cold, pale feet
- Persistent high blood pressure readings at home
Call 999 immediately if you develop crushing chest pain, sudden weakness on one side, facial droop or speech difficulty.
Who Is Most At Risk?
- High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol or diabetes
- Smoking or vaping nicotine products
- Overweight or central obesity
- Family history of early heart attack or stroke (<55 men, <65 women)
- Sedentary lifestyle and ultra‑processed, high‑salt diets
- Chronic kidney disease, autoimmune disorders or long‑term steroid use
- Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea
When To Book An Assessment
Phone 01296 678 800 if you:
- Have persistent chest tightness, unexplained breathlessness or palpitations
- Want a comprehensive heart and stroke‑risk review
- Need cardiology clearance before surgery or long‑haul travel
- Struggle to hit blood‑pressure or cholesterol targets despite medication
How We Diagnose And Monitor CVD
- Consultant Cardiology Review – detailed history, medication check and physical examination in our Cardiology Department.
- Rapid Laboratory Testing – lipid profile, HbA1c, kidney function and inflammatory markers via our Blood‑Testing Service, typically back within 24 hours.
- Advanced Imaging – CT coronary calcium scoring or CT angiography in our CT Suite ; echocardiography and carotid Doppler arranged promptly with trusted partners.
- Rhythm Monitoring – 24‑hour Holter or event recorders when palpitations or blackouts occur.
- Blood‑Pressure Profiling – ambulatory or home BP validation to fine‑tune targets.
- Structured Follow‑Up – reviews every 3–12 months (tailored to risk and treatment changes).
Treatment And Ongoing Support
Lifestyle & Prevention
- Mediterranean‑style nutrition, weight management and salt reduction with our Dietetic Team
- Supervised exercise and strength training through the Cardiac & Stroke Rehabilitation service
- Smoking cessation, alcohol moderation and sleep optimisation with our Private GP Service
Medication Optimisation
- Statins, ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors to reach LDL targets
- ACE inhibitors/ARBs, calcium‑channel blockers or beta‑blockers for blood‑pressure control
- Antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy where clot risk is high
- SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP‑1 receptor agonists for patients with diabetes and cardiovascular risk
Procedural Referrals (When Required)
- Rapid pathways to regional centres for angioplasty, stenting, pacemaker/ICD implantation or valve intervention, with pre‑ and post‑procedure care back at Royal Bucks.
Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?
- Consultant‑delivered clinics with appointments usually available within one week
- Fast, co‑located blood testing and CT imaging for quick answers
- Integrated cardiology, neurology, dietetics and rehabilitation under one roof
- Flexible clinics and virtual follow‑ups
- Private ensuite rooms, free parking and easy access from Oxford, Milton Keynes and London
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cardiovascular Disease Be Reversed?
Plaque can stabilise and sometimes regress with intensive lifestyle change and optimal medication, dramatically cutting event risk.
Do I Need A CT Scan?
Not everyone does. We use CT coronary calcium scoring or angiography when it will change management—your cardiologist will advise.
What Targets Should I Aim For?
Most high‑risk adults benefit from BP <130/80 mmHg and LDL cholesterol well below 2.0 mmol/L; we individualise goals to your profile.
Protect Your Heart And Brain
Call 01296 678 800 or enquire online to book your cardiovascular assessment and personalised prevention plan.
23 July 2025