Dr Joao Martins - Cardiology insights https://www.drmartins.org/ Medically reviewed cardiology information from Dr Joao Martins, Consultant Cardiologist in Brighton and London. en-GB Chest pain: when should it be checked by a cardiologist? https://www.drmartins.org/symptoms/chest-pain/ https://www.drmartins.org/symptoms/chest-pain/ Chest discomfort has many possible causes. Which details matter, and what a cardiology assessment involves. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Palpitations: what causes them and when to have them checked https://www.drmartins.org/symptoms/palpitations/ https://www.drmartins.org/symptoms/palpitations/ Being aware of your heartbeat is common and often harmless. The pattern of the sensation, and what accompanies it, guides whether investigation is needed. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Breathlessness: when might it be related to the heart? https://www.drmartins.org/symptoms/breathlessness/ https://www.drmartins.org/symptoms/breathlessness/ Breathlessness has many explanations. Its timing, its triggers and what accompanies it help separate cardiac causes from the alternatives. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Coronary artery disease, angina and how it is assessed https://www.drmartins.org/conditions/coronary-artery-disease/ https://www.drmartins.org/conditions/coronary-artery-disease/ Narrowing of the coronary arteries reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. How it is diagnosed, treated and monitored. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Atrial fibrillation, stroke risk and treatment options https://www.drmartins.org/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/ https://www.drmartins.org/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/ The most common sustained heart rhythm disturbance. Why it matters for stroke risk, and how rate, rhythm and anticoagulation decisions are made. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Heart valve disease, its symptoms and treatment options https://www.drmartins.org/conditions/heart-valve-disease/ https://www.drmartins.org/conditions/heart-valve-disease/ Valves can narrow or leak, often over many years. How valve disease is detected, monitored and treated, including minimally invasive options. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Heart failure, what the diagnosis means and how it is treated https://www.drmartins.org/conditions/heart-failure/ https://www.drmartins.org/conditions/heart-failure/ The name is misleading. Heart failure means the heart is not pumping as efficiently as it should, and modern treatment may be highly effective. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT High blood pressure, why it matters and how it is managed https://www.drmartins.org/conditions/high-blood-pressure/ https://www.drmartins.org/conditions/high-blood-pressure/ Hypertension rarely causes symptoms, which is precisely why it needs measuring. How it is diagnosed accurately and treated effectively. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Echocardiogram: what it shows and how to prepare https://www.drmartins.org/tests-and-procedures/echocardiogram/ https://www.drmartins.org/tests-and-procedures/echocardiogram/ An ultrasound scan of the heart. What it can and cannot show, what happens during the test and how the findings are used. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Coronary angiography and stents, a patient guide https://www.drmartins.org/tests-and-procedures/coronary-angiography-and-stents/ https://www.drmartins.org/tests-and-procedures/coronary-angiography-and-stents/ How the coronary arteries are imaged, what a stent does, what it can achieve and what it cannot, and what recovery involves. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT TAVI: transcatheter aortic valve implantation explained https://www.drmartins.org/tests-and-procedures/tavi/ https://www.drmartins.org/tests-and-procedures/tavi/ A new aortic valve delivered through a blood vessel rather than by open surgery. Who it may suit, what it involves and what recovery looks like. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT TEER: transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for leaking valve https://www.drmartins.org/tests-and-procedures/teer/ https://www.drmartins.org/tests-and-procedures/teer/ A catheter-based repair for mitral or tricuspid regurgitation, using a clip to reduce leakage without open-heart surgery. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT PFO closure after stroke, what the decision involves https://www.drmartins.org/tests-and-procedures/pfo-closure/ https://www.drmartins.org/tests-and-procedures/pfo-closure/ A patent foramen ovale is a small flap between the upper chambers of the heart. When closing it may reduce the risk of further stroke. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT When should chest pain be checked by a cardiologist? https://www.drmartins.org/blog/when-should-chest-pain-be-checked/ https://www.drmartins.org/blog/when-should-chest-pain-be-checked/ Chest discomfort has many possible causes. Learn which details matter and what a cardiology assessment may involve. Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT What causes palpitations, and when should they be investigated? https://www.drmartins.org/blog/what-causes-palpitations/ https://www.drmartins.org/blog/what-causes-palpitations/ Palpitations are common, but their pattern and associated symptoms help determine whether further assessment is appropriate. Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Could breathlessness be related to the heart? https://www.drmartins.org/blog/breathlessness-and-the-heart/ https://www.drmartins.org/blog/breathlessness-and-the-heart/ Breathlessness can have several explanations. Its timing, triggers and associated symptoms help guide a careful assessment. Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Understanding heart valve disease and its symptoms https://www.drmartins.org/blog/understanding-heart-valve-disease/ https://www.drmartins.org/blog/understanding-heart-valve-disease/ Heart valve conditions can develop gradually. This introduction explains common symptoms and how valve function is assessed. Sun, 23 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT