Speech bubbles and question marks Medical

Medical terms explained

Medical jargon can sometimes be a barrier to understanding health conditions. Dr Rick Karsan explains some of the confusing terms that you might hear from your doctor.
Diabetes - Healthy diet Ask the experts

Can you reverse diabetes?

Our expert discusses whether it's possible to reverse diabetes, and the steps you can take to slow down its progression.
Blood pressure measuring Ask the experts

What causes low blood pressure?

Our expert answers a reader question about the causes and treatments of low blood pressure, and the BHF-research that could help control it.
CT scan showing damage from a haemorrhagic stroke Medical

What is a CT scan of the brain?

A CT scan can be used to diagnose a stroke and other brain problems, as Professor Joanna Wardlaw explains to Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily McGrath.
Man with palpitations outdoors Ask the experts

Should palpitations stop me exercising?

Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily McGrath answers a question on heart palpitations and whether they affect your ability to exercise.
Oral health animation Medical

Watch: How is gum disease linked to heart problems and diabetes?

Watch our animation to discover why brushing your teeth can help your cardiovascular system, and get answers to some common questions about oral health and heart conditions.
Barrie Gough Focus on

How your blood supply connects everything

Heart disease is connected with many other illnesses. Discover how one condition can lead to another, and hear Barrie’s story of stroke and atrial fibrillation.
A woman struggling to sleep Ask the experts

Could statins be affecting my sleep?

Our expert answers a question from a reader concerned that statins could be impacting their sleep.
Two people walking a dog in the park Ask the experts

How do I stay active before my heart bypass surgery?

Our expert explains how staying active before surgery could help improve outcomes, and talks through the options for pre-surgery activity.

70 years of the NHS - stethoscope and birthday cake Medical

70 years of the NHS

In 1948, the NHS treated its first patients. We look at how far it has come and the challenges that lie ahead, and get the views of a regulator, a hospital chief executive and a patient.
Pacemaker on an electrocardiograph Ask the experts

How can a pacemaker help with fainting problems?

An expert answers a question from a patient who has been fitted with a pacemaker after years of regular fainting.
Doppler test illustration Medical

What is a Doppler test?

A Doppler test is a quick and painless way to detect blood flow. Professor Charles McCollum tells Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily McGrath more about Doppler tests.
David Randles Living with a heart condition

Living with PAD: David's story

David Randles shares his story of living with peripheral arterial disease, and how his condition led to leg amputation.
Dentist chair Ask the experts

Why wasn’t I told to take antibiotics before my dental treatment?

Our expert responds to a reader with a heart valve problem, concerned about antibiotics and dental treatment.
Heather West Living with a heart condition

Support for adults with congenital heart disease

Heather West, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Specialist Nurse at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London, talks to our Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily McGrath about the support that is available for adults with congenital heart disease.
Aneurin Bevan Medical

The NHS at 70: Interactive timeline

Since it's birth in 1948, the National Health Service has touched and even transformed the lives of every one of us. Our interactive timeline looks at the major milestones in the over the last 70 years and the role the BHF has played.
Pacemaker on an x-ray Ask the experts

Could a CRT pacemaker help my heart failure?

Darrel Francis, Professor of Cardiology at Imperial College London, answers a question about whether CRT pacemakers can help heart failure patients.
Induction hob Ask the experts

Can I use an induction hob if I have a pacemaker?

Our expert answers a question about the risk of interference between a pacemaker and appliances that contain magnets, such as induction hobs.
A nurse with a patient at a surgery Medical

Get your flu jab

It’s time to help protect yourself with a flu jab. Experts tell us who should get it and why the jab is so important.
Watch an angiogram - 360 degree video Focus on

Watch an angiogram: 360 degree video

Our 360 degree video shows what it’s really like to be inside a catheter lab having an angiogram or angioplasty procedure.

Watch: What Medical

Video: What's the difference between congenital and inherited heart disease?

Congenital heart disease and inherited heart disease are both conditions you are born with, but they can be very different. Our animation explains how, and highlights the most common congenital and inherited conditions.

Menopause illustration Focus on

Menopause and your heart

Menopause happens to every woman, but did you know it can affect your heart? GP and menopause expert Dr Louise Newson explains the problem and how HRT (hormone replacement therapy) could help.
Pill box days of the week Living with a heart condition

5 ways to manage your heart failure

If you have heart failure, there's a lot you can do to help manage your condition and help stop it from getting worse. Professor Darrel Francis, Professor of Cardiology at Imperial College London, explains.

Cardiac MRI illustration Focus on

What is an MRI scan?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used to diagnose and give information on heart conditions. Professor John Greenwood tells Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily McGrath what a cardiac MRI scan involves.
David Randles Focus on

Focus on: Peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral arterial disease can affect the same people as heart attacks and strokes, and the worst cases can be life-threatening. Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily McGrath speaks to an expert about PAD.

Katie Miller with her university friends Living with a heart condition

Living with congenital heart disease as an adult

Almost one in 100 babies in the UK are born with congenital heart disease, but what happens to them later in life? Our Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily McGrath hears Katie Miller’s experience of living with congenital heart disease as an adult.

GP stethoscope and calendar planning appointments Ask the experts

Should I be seeing my GP more after my heart attack?

Our expert answer a question about the follow-up care you should receive from your GP if you have had a heart attack.
Heart transplant surgery Heart surgery

Quiz: How much do you know about heart transplants?

May 3rd 2018 marks 50 years since the first human heart transplant in the UK. But how much do you know about the history of transplant surgery? Take our quick quiz and test your knowledge.

What to expect in a catheter lab - 360 video Living with a heart condition

What to expect in a cath lab: 360 degree video

In this video you can get to know the team who work in a catheter lab and look around. Plus, read all about the procedure.

Wearing a fitness tracker on wrist Ask the experts

Will wearing a fitness tracker improve my health?

An exercise expert answers a question about fitness tracker devices, and whether wearing one can help to improve your health.

How do statins prevent heart attacks and strokes? Focus on

Watch: How do statins prevent heart attacks and strokes?

Statins reduce your cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. They’re one of the best-researched drugs, but also one of the most controversial. Watch our animation all about statins, and see if you can tell statin fact from fiction.
All about angina animation Focus on

Watch: All about angina

Our short animation explains all about angina - learn what causes it, the differences between types of angina, and the best ways to manage your angina.
Alice Riley with her son Focus on

Taking HRT to protect the heart: Alice's story

Alice Riley was prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help protect her heart from the risks of early menopause. She describes the impact of HRT on her life.
A diary of heart bypass surgery My Story

Diary of heart bypass surgery

Heart Matters reader Jeff Lane shares his diary of heart bypass surgery and cardiac rehabilitation, to let others know what to expect.
Louis Washkansky heart transplant patient Medical

Explore: 50 years of heart transplant

Fifty years ago, the first human heart transplant was carried out, and the first UK heart transplant followed a few months later. BHF-funded research helped to pave the way for this – explore our interactive timeline to see how we’re still helping to save lives.
Man with shoulder pain Fast facts

11 signs you might have heart disease

Will that pain wear off, or is it time to see your doctor or even call an ambulance? BHF Professor David Newby highlights the symptoms that you need to take seriously.
Cardiac stress test Focus on

What is a stress test?

An exercise stress test (also called exercise ECG) is often used to diagnose coronary heart disease. BHF Professor Ajay Shah tells our Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily McGrath more about how it works and what it involves.
Blood pressure measurement Medical

Why should I know my blood pressure?

Associate Medical Director Dr Mike Knapton tells Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily McGrath why it's important to get your blood pressure checked
A child Living with a heart condition

How does it feel to live with congenital heart disease?

New BHF-funded research has revealed what makes a difference the quality of life of children with congenital heart defects. We speak to the researcher involved.

Professor Sven Plein Focus on

All about cardiac tumours

BHF Professor Sven Plein explains what cardiac tumours are, and tells Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily McGrath why spotting them early is important.
Bob Ruane Heart surgery

Heart transplant after heart failure: Bob's story

Bob Ruane, from Cheshire, received a life saving heart transplant at the age of 56, after the heart failure he'd had for 15 years worsened. He tells us his story.

Dr Louise Newson Ask the experts

Can early menopause affect my heart?

Dr Louise Newson explains how premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), also known as early menopause, can affect your heart.

An ambulance from our heart attack and cardiac arrest animation Heart attack

Watch: What's the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest?

Do you know the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest? Watch our animation and find out what to do in these emergencies.
Illustration of a person having an angiogram Drug cabinet

What is an angiogram?

A angiogram is a common test for people with possible heart symptoms. Professor Julian Gunn explains the different types of angiogram to Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily Reeve.
Gilbert Wheeler Heart surgery

Heart transplant after cardiomyopathy: Gilbert's story

Gilbert Wheeler, 59, received a heart transplant in 2016, 25 years after first being diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He shares his story.

Professor Colin Berry Ask the experts

What is microvascular angina?

Our expert explains what microvascular angina is, and discusses the latest research that's aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment.
A patient having a pin-prick blood test Focus on

Why should I know my blood sugar levels?

Our Associate Medical Director Dr Mike Knapton tells Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily Reeve why it can be important to have your blood sugar checked.
Lucy White Living with a heart condition

Living with an inherited heart condition: Lucy's story

Inheriting a heart condition raises many questions, but support is available. Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily Reeve speaks to Lucy White about the care she's received.

Jane McNicholas Focus on

Surviving a cardiac tumour: Julie's story

We meet Julie McNicholas, who was diagnosed with a cardiac tumour in 2010 and now wants to raise awareness of the condition.
Two glasses of water Ask the experts

How do I manage my fluid restriction in hot weather?

Our expert explains how to manage in hot weather if you've been told to limit your fluids for heart failure.
A team of surgeons performing a heart transplant Ask the experts

Should I be worried about an infection risk following heart valve surgery?

Our expert answers a question about the risk of Mycobacterium chimaera infection after surgery, and explains what to do if you're concerned.
A micrograph image of a heart valve with endocarditis. The heart valve tissue is infected with bacteria (shown in blue) Focus on

What is endocarditis?

This infection of the heart’s inner lining is rare, but some people with heart conditions are at higher risk. Professor Jonathan Sandoe explains more about the condition.

Animation of leg with DVT Focus on

Watch: What is DVT and how can we stop it?

Our expert explains what to do if you have deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Our short animation has more about the condition and the BHF researchers looking for a cure.
A waist measuring tape Focus on

Why should I know my weight and waist size?

Knowing your real size is important. BHF Associate Medical Director Dr Mike Knapton tells Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily Reeve why.

A woman with a migraine with aura, associated with stroke Ask the experts

Does migraine with aura increase stroke risk?

Our medical expert answers a question about migraine with aura and the associated stroke risk.

A range of tablets and pills in their packaging Ask the experts

Are branded medications better than unbranded?

Our expert answers a question about the differences between branded and unbranded medications.

An ultrasound scan Ask the experts

What is pulmonary atresia?

Our expert answers a question from the parent of a child born with pulmonary atresia and explains what the condition is.
man lying on bed having an ECG Focus on

What is an electrocardiogram (ECG)?

An electrocardiogram, or ECG, looks at your heart’s rate, rhythm and electrical activity. Professor Peter Macfarlane explain what this simple test involves.
A cholesterol level gauge showing normal levels Focus on

Why should you have your cholesterol levels tested?

Learn why it's important to have your cholesterol tested, what you'll learn from the cholesterol test and what you can do about it.
Dr Dana Dawson Focus on

What is takotsubo syndrome?

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a little-known condition where your heart muscle becomes suddenly weakened - it's sometimes called broken heart syndrome. Our expert explains the causes, diagnosis and treatment.

An ultrasound machine used for an echocardiogram Focus on

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram provides ultrasound images of your heart. Dr Rajan Sharma explains this common test to our Senior Cardiac Nurse Emily Reeve
red wine being poured into a glass Ask the experts

Can I drink alcohol while I’m on warfarin?

Our medical expert explains whether it's alright to drink wine whilst taking the anticoagulant drug warfarin for your heart.
3D molecular model of candesartan Drug cabinet

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

ARBs treat heart failure and high blood pressure and may be prescribed following a heart attack. Read what they are, how they work, their possible side effects and more.

woman with headache from pots Ask the experts

PoTS - postural tachycardia syndrome

Our medical expert explains PoTS - postural tachycardia syndrome - a condition that causes an increase in your heart rate after sitting or standing.
Man looking at computer screen Living with a heart condition

How to choose your hospital or doctor

You’re entitled to pick your NHS care, but how do you do it, and how can it benefit you as a heart patient? We explain.
Woman Living with a heart condition

How to beat the cold

Cold temperatures can put your health at risk. We explain how to stay safe when the mercury drops.
Sir Mike Richards talking Living with a heart condition

Expert tips to find and choose the best hospital

Chief Inspector of Hospitals Sir Mike Richards gives four top tips on how to choose the right hospital for you.
Professor Nishi sat on bed in front of monitor Medical

How African Caribbean background can affect your heart health

Professor Nishi Chaturvedi explains how your ethnic origin can affect your heart and circulatory health.
Ask the experts

Getting help for depression

Our expert explains what to do about depression, and how this condition can be common in people with heart disease.
Bettina Wallace a smiling woman Medical

Bettina's story

Bettina tells us her story about her fight against heart disease
Jigsaw pieces that say myth and reality on them Fast facts

7 most common heart disease myths

We debunk the seven most common and persistent myths around heart disease. How many do you know?
Illustration of people with fruit and vegetables Focus on

What are the causes of high blood pressure?

Dr Neil Chapman explains high blood pressure, how it can be prevented and managed, and updates us on how the BHF is tackling it.
Focus on

Why a diagnosis of angina could save your life

Angina is an important warning sign, because coronary heart disease can lead to a heart attack. Making changes to your lifestyle can help prevent your angina from getting worse and could just save your life.

diagram of the heart inside the body Ask the experts

What is ventricular failure?

Our expert explains what right ventricular failure means, what symptoms this can cause and how this condition can affect heart health.
Jack Chisnall Medical

Focus on… Multiple health conditions

How can you live well with multiple long-term health conditions? We speak to someone who has multiple conditions, and to health professionals about how integrated care could help.
A diary of heart valve surgery - illustration of patient doing breathing exercises after surgery My Story

Diary of heart valve surgery

Heart Matters reader Catherine Mackay shares her diary and illustrations of heart valve surgery, to let others know what to expect.
Focus on

5 facts about heart failure that might surprise you

There are lots of myths surrounding heart failure. Learn to tell fact from fiction and what you can do to control the condition.

Sandy Gupta 205x316_noexp Focus on

South Asian background and heart health

Having a South Asian ethnic origin can increase your risk of heart and circulatory disease and diabetes. Consultant cardiologist Sandy Gupta explains why.
A pile of tablets to treat multiple conditions Top tips

8 tips for living with multiple health conditions

An increasing number of people in the UK live with more than one long-term condition. We explain eight ways to make your life easier if you have multiple conditions.
Someone scuba diving underwater with fish Ask the experts

Can I scuba dive if I have high blood pressure?

Our expert answers a question on whether you can scuba dive when you have high blood pressure.
Potassium supplements on a white table Ask the experts

Why have I been prescribed potassium after heart surgery?

Our expert answers a question on why a heart failure patient would be prescribed potassium.

High blood pressure Fast facts

6 things you need to know about high blood pressure

High blood pressure is a major cause of heart attack and stroke, but most of us don’t even know the facts. Senior cardiac nurse Julie Ward explains.
Questions to ask your doctor Living with a heart condition

What to ask your doctor when you’ve just been diagnosed with a heart condition

When you’ve just been told you have a heart condition, it can be a confusing time. Here’s our quick guide to asking the right questions, to get the answers that you need.
Thoracic aortic aneurysm and abdominal aortic aneurysm illustration Focus on

All about aortic aneurysm

Consultant Vascular Surgeon Rachel Bell explains abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms, what causes them and how to get screened.
Max Leslie Focus on

Surviving a ruptured aortic aneurysm - Max's story

We meet Max Leslie, who survived a life-threatening aortic aneurysm rupture, and hear how his life has changed since then.
Stomach bursting into flames illustration Drug cabinet

All about proton pump inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) suppress stomach acid and are often prescribed to heart patients. We hear why from Professor Pali Hungin.
Mike Knapton Ask the experts

Can you tell me more about Sneddon syndrome?

Our expert explains what Sneddon syndrome is, symptoms, treatment, and whether this can cause a stroke.
Chest pain - heart attack detection with troponin test Ask the experts

What is troponin and why does it matter?

Our medical expert explains what troponin is and how can help determine the symptoms of a heart attack in women.
Ventriculography showing cardiac morphology in systole in a patient with takotsubo cardiomyopathy Focus on

10 heart conditions with strange names and how they got them

Ever heard of Prinzmetal angina, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or even Kawasaki syndrome? Rick Karsan explains these conditions and how they got their names.
Wine bottles Focus on

Effects of alcohol on your heart

Too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and weight, increasing risk of a heart attack, stroke and type 2 diabetes. We find out more from an expert.
Insulin Drug cabinet

Insulin

Insulin can help people with diabetes manage blood sugar levels and avoid other issues. Consultant physician Dr Amanda Adler explains how it works and how to take it.
Mowing the lawn Ask the experts

I’ve started to feel out of breath. Should I be worried?

Our medical expert explains when you should take breathlessness seriously and get it checked out.
Anne Beaton, 75, had a heart attack in 2014 Focus on

Women have heart attacks too

We speak to an expert about women's risk of heart disease, and meet Anne Beaton, who didn't realise she was having a heart attack.
Pregnant women in an exercise session Focus on

Pregnancy and heart disease

We explore issues of pregnancy and your heart, and meet two women who fought back from health issues.
Normal electrical signals in the heart Ask the experts

What's the difference between atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation?

Our medical expert explains the differences between atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation.
Jennifer Waller Focus on

All about microvascular angina

Microvascular angina (sometimes called cardiac syndrome X) results from an abnormality of the tiny arteries within the heart muscle that play a crucial role in regulating blood supply to the heart.
Apple and pear illustration Change in lifestyle

5 risk factors for heart disease and how you can control them

You can do plenty to reduce your chances of heart attack or stroke, whether you have coronary heart disease or been told you’re at risk. We explain.
Two cups of black coffee Behind the headlines

10 weird things we've been told cause heart disease

It’s hard to read or watch the news without hearing of new things that could, apparently, cause heart disease. But can you believe what you read? Martina Dalton gives the lowdown on 10 of the most bizarre.

Brazilian viper Focus on

10 heart drugs with weird origins

We take medicines every day – but do you think about where they come from? Most modern drugs are created in the lab – but some have unusual or downright bizarre origins.
Digoxin illustration Drug cabinet

Digoxin

Derived from the purple foxglove plant, Digoxin was first used to treat heart complaints 200 years ago. Dr Ross McGeoch tells us about modern uses for the drug.
Blood sample bottles Ask the experts

New cholesterol guidelines

Our expert explains why you might have been given your cholesterol measurements in a different way.
An illustration of good habits to control diabetes type 2 Drug cabinet

Diabetes medications

Dr Amanda Adler explains oral medications that can control your blood glucose levels, which is critical to managing type 2 diabetes.
Dianne Campbell, 48, who has vascular dementia Living with a heart condition

Living with vascular dementia: Dianne's story

Tasks we take for granted, such as making tea, become a major challenge when you have vascular dementia. Learn what vascular dementia is and what it's like to live with.
A man having heart attack sysmptons Ask the experts

Could something called ‘cough CPR’ save my life?

Our medical expert debunks the 'cough CPR' myth which claims you can help yourself by coughing vigorously if you’re having a heart attack.
Professor Warner talks about aspirin

Drug cabinet

The Drug Cabinet section of Heart Matters contains guides to all the common types of heart medications, with answers to frequently asked questions.
Mike Knapton

Ask the experts

Our expert cardiologist, GP and cardiac nurses answer your questions about all aspects of heart conditions, tests and treatments.
A doctor explaining treatment to patient Medical

Treatments for coronary heart disease

Get our quick guide to treatments for coronary heart disease like angioplasty and bypass surgery, what they involve and how long they last.

X-ray of pacemaker and heart pump Focus on

Treatments for abnormal heart rhythms

Get our quick guide to pacemakers, ICDs, and ablations, which are used to treat heart rhythm problems. Find out what the treatments involve and how long they last.
Blood flow illustration Focus on

Treatments for heart valve disease

Get our quick guide to why you might have heart valve replacement, what it involves and how long it will last.
Antibiotics Drug cabinet

Antibiotics

Antibiotics save lives, but resistance to them is increasing. Dr Nicholas Brown, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, tells us when you need them and when you don’t.
Anne Gayfer - Living with heart failure Focus on

Living with heart failure

Senior Cardiac Nurse Christopher Allen looks at the challenges of living with heart failure, tips on managing it and how the BHF supports those who have the condition.
Ibuprofen and paracetamol tablets Drug cabinet

All about painkillers

Painkillers are some of the most commonly used drugs. We explain what these medicines, including paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, morphine and codeine, are used for and possible side effects.
Ablation illustration Focus on

Catheter ablation

If you feel your heart beating abnormally, you may need a catheter ablation. Dr Guy Haywood, Consultant Cardiologist in Plymouth, answers all your questions.
Measuring blood pressure Focus on

The latest news about high blood pressure

Our Senior Cardiac Nurse Julie Ward talks to Dr Neil Chapman about high blood pressure and updates us on how the BHF is tackling it.
Other roles you may come across

A medical who's who

Puzzled by the difference between a radiographer and a radiologist, or wondering who you’re likely to meet when you go into hospital? We introduce a guide to who does what and how to make the most of them.
Questions to ask your doctor Living with a heart condition

12 questions you should read before you see your doctor

When you see your doctor, cardiologist or other healthcare professional, it’s not always easy to know what to ask. Here’s our quick guide so you can be prepared for your appointment.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting illustration Heart surgery

Focus on: Heart bypass surgery

Heart bypass surgery can help relieve the symptoms of angina and improve quality of life. We talk to Professor Gavin Murphy about what’s involved.
Simon Morgan Living with a heart condition

Living with dilated cardiomyopathy

Finding out he had dilated cardiomyopathy prompted Simon Morgan to live life to the full. We hear his story and get an expert’s view on the condition.
Martyn Thomas Heart attack

Focus on: Heart attacks

All you need to know about a heart attack including the causes, symptoms and effects.