A personalised consultation to assess and protect your heart health

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the UK — but with the right information, most problems can be prevented. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms, have a family history, or simply want reassurance, a consultation with Dr Chris Critoph, Consultant Cardiologist, can help you understand your personal risk and take control of your heart health.

Why consider a heart assessment

Many patients I see feel completely well, but want reassurance because of something in their health or family background. You may wish to arrange a consultation if:

• A friend or family member has recently had a heart problem
• You have raised cholesterol, diabetes, or high blood pressure
• There’s a strong family history of heart attack or stroke
• You’re planning to start or increase exercise and want to check it’s safe
• You’ve developed new symptoms such as breathlessness or chest tightness
• You simply want peace of mind about your cardiovascular health

A detailed assessment can identify hidden risks early — long before symptoms appear — and help create a clear, personalised plan to protect your heart for the future.

Comprehensive heart health assessment

A modern, personalised approach to preventing heart disease.

Heart and circulatory disease remain major causes of illness and premature death in the UK. Yet today, we can measure and reduce risk more accurately than ever. At Coastal Cardiology, I offer an in-depth consultation and targeted investigations designed to give you a clear understanding of your heart health — and the confidence that you’re doing everything possible to protect it.

Your consultation and core investigations

Every assessment begins with a detailed consultation and physical examination. Depending on your situation, I may recommend:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – to assess the electrical rhythm of your heart

• Echocardiogram – an ultrasound scan showing how the heart muscle and valves are working

• Blood tests – checking cholesterol, diabetes, kidney and liver function

• Exercise (stress) test – to see how your heart responds to exertion

These simple, painless investigations often provide reassurance within days.

CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA)

For patients where it’s appropriate, I also arrange CT Coronary Angiography — a highly advanced scan that directly images the coronary arteries. CTCA can reveal even early plaque build-up before narrowing occurs, allowing proactive management to reduce your risk of a future heart attack. This test is performed at specialist centres using state-of-the-art equipment, with results interpreted by me personally and discussed with you in detail.

Advanced lipid and genetic testing

Beyond standard cholesterol checks, Coastal Cardiology offers a deeper look at inherited and metabolic factors:

• Apolipoprotein B (apoB) – measures the number of atherogenic lipoprotein particles driving plaque formation

• Lipoprotein (a) – a genetic cholesterol-like particle strongly linked to early heart disease

• Polygenic risk scores – combining information from many genes to estimate your lifetime predisposition to heart disease

These markers often explain why some people develop heart disease despite “normal” cholesterol levels. Understanding them allows truly personalised prevention.

Personalised prevention and lifestyle guidance

After reviewing your results, I’ll provide:

• A clear written summary of your heart health and risk profile

• Evidence-based recommendations on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle

• Advice on whether medication, supplements, or further investigations are appropriate

• Follow-up planning as needed

The goal is not just to reassure you, but to equip you with actionable steps to maintain long-term heart health.