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Why is Physical Activity Important?

Physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It’s good for both your mind and body. 

What are the benefits of exercise?

  1. Physical Health: It improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, boosts immunity, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
  2. Mental Health: It reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while improving mood through the release of endorphins.
  3. Cognitive Function: It enhances focus, memory, and overall brain health.
  4. Longevity: Regular exercise is associated with a longer life and reduced risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

an illustration showing the benefits of exercise

What types of exercise are recommended?

  1. Moderate-intensity aerobic activity: This is anything that gets your heart beating faster. Aim for 150 minutes a week with cycling or brisk walking.
  2. High-intensity exercise: You can get 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise each week instead of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise. Go for a run or swim. 
  3. A combination of different intensities: You can combine moderate and high-intensity exercise each week for even better results. 
  4. Strength Training: Do activities targeting major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms) at least twice a week.
  5. Flexibility and Balance: Incorporate stretching or activities like yoga to improve flexibility and balance, especially for older adults.

 

an illustration showing fours types of recommended exercises

How to start or maintain a routine?

  • Beginners: Start slow (e.g., 10-15 minutes of walking daily) and gradually increase intensity.
  • Consistency is Key: Aim for regular, sustainable activity rather than infrequent, intense sessions.
  • Mix it Up: Include a variety of activities to stay motivated and work different muscle groups.

Any exercise is better than none, and walking is a great option: aim for 10,000 steps a day, though anything over 6,000 is beneficial. As you get older, maintaining muscle strength and balance becomes increasingly important, so remember: use it or lose it!

an illustration showing guidelines for exercising

The 2024 study below shows that exercise becomes even more important as you get older – and the more, the better. Interestingly, while large amounts of exercise may plateau in benefit for younger individuals, the opposite is true for older adults. That is the reverse of many other things – where the benefit attenuates or reduces with age!

Get off the couch – and the benefit will start!

statistics showing recommended activity by age group reverse

an illustration demonstrating safe range for weekly exercise time

Article by Dr Malik, a leading UK cardiologist. He works at One Welbeck Heart Health – London’s Largest Private Cardiology Group, and at Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, one of the largest NHS Trusts in the UK.

Dr Malik does 3 PFO before 10am at One Welbeck

I am known as a fast operator, but to be able to perform 3 PFO closures before 10 am requires an exceptional team with me.

 

We have to:

1. Pre- assess the patient 

2. Prepare the patient on the day

3. Get the patient into theatre 

4. My bit- do the procedure slickly

5. Get the patient out of theatre 

6. Recover the patient and get them home safely

 

We started at 8.15- 15 minutes behind schedule- but finished at 10.00.

Well done to the team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Case 1:

Tricky PFO to cross and the tunnel was very tight.

Case 2:

Standard PFO 

Case 3:

Very large PFO- I used a large device, that looked too big, and so swapped to the 2 sizes lower – a perfect result

So you could say I did 4 cases, as used 4 devices! This mix of cases does tell you that you need experience to manage even “simple” procedures such as PFO closure.

My thanks to my exceptional team.

Check out our Instagram!

 

Article by Dr Malik, a leading UK cardiologist. He works at One Welbeck Heart Health – London’s Largest Private Cardiology Group, and at Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, one of the largest NHS Trusts in the UK.

PCR London Valve 2024

pcr london valves event poster

Dr. Malik and his team presented five challenging cases to this international meeting. 

I run the Structural Heart Program at Hammersmith Hospital. 

We had five challenging cases accepted by PCR-LV and showcased how we do things! These were all challenging TAVI cases. TAVI is a transcatheter aortic valve intervention to fix severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis.

I got my juniors to present the cases on behalf of the consultants—it is excellent training for them, too. They did exceptionally well.

Well done to:

Dr. Ashfaq Faiz – junior doctor 

Dr. Matt Hammond-Haley – fellow 

Dr. Sannidhya Misra – fellow

Dr. Hani Karameh – fellow

Dr. Carla Lucarelli – fellow

And, of course, Dr. Arif Khokhar. – fellow

a photo of pcr london valve teama photo of pcr london valve participants

 

My thanks to the whole team for doing such a good job!

A photo of Dr Iqbal Malik speaking at pcr london valve event

Article by Dr Malik, a leading UK cardiologist. He works at One Welbeck Heart Health – London’s Largest Private Cardiology Group, and at Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, one of the largest NHS Trusts in the UK.

Blood Pressure Treatment Guidelines

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to serious conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage if blood pressure treatment guidelines are not followed. Over 10% of the population is affected by it, but many people don’t realise they have it.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure occurs when blood consistently pushes too hard against the walls of your arteries (blood vessel walls). If your blood pressure measurements are over 140/85 (or 130/80 if you have diabetes), you may need further assessment of your blood flow.

How is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

A blood pressure reading or blood pressure check alone isn’t enough. Your doctor will assess your risk by considering age, cholesterol levels, and family history. 

Taking your blood pressure is NOT as easy as it sounds.

  • Find a quiet spot
  • Put your arm on a table on a cushion- not hanging down by your side
  • Have the blood pressure cuff properly fitted on the upper arm
  • If the cuff is too big or too small, or loose, the reading will be inaccurate
  • Take the reading
  • Wait 2 minutes
  • Take a reading
  • Wait 2 minutes
  • Take a reading
  • Record the LOWEST of the BP readings. That is the real blood pressure

For more accurate hypertension investigation results, you may also need blood tests, an Electrocardiogram (ECG), an Echocardiogram (TOE), and sometimes blood pressure monitor for 24 hours.

Below you can see an example of a 24-hour blood pressure monitor disclosure:

an example of a 24-hour blood pressure monitor disclosure

Treatment for High Blood Pressure

Managing hypertension often starts with healthy lifestyle changes such as:

  • Quitting smoking
  • Weight loss
  • Having a low-salt and high-fibre dietary approaches
  • Regular exercise and physical activity

If these changes aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe blood pressure medication in the UK, such as calcium channel blockers. According to blood pressure treatment guidelines, most patients will need more than one type of drug to control their hypertension effectively.

Uncontrolled hypertension increases your risk of serious complications, including cardiovascular diseases,  heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

Following blood pressure treatment guidelines and having a healthy lifestyle with regular check-ups are important for keeping your pressure under control.

If you’re experiencing dizziness and high blood pressure symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath) or have concerns about your heart health, contact our office to book a consultation. Early detection and proper management with a blood pressure specialist can prevent severe complications and keep your pressure under control.

Article by Dr Malik, a leading UK cardiologist. He works at One Welbeck Heart Health – London’s Largest Private Cardiology Group, and at Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, one of the largest NHS Trusts in the UK.

Atrial Septal Defect Symptoms: What to Look Out For

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital heart defect where there’s an abnormal connection between the upper chambers (atria) of the heart. This “hole” allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the right, increasing pressure and volume in the right side of the heart. Over time, this can cause the right heart to stretch and, if left untreated, may lead to heart failure, heart attack and stroke due to blood clots. Understanding atrial septal defect symptoms and seeking the right diagnosis is crucial to managing the heart condition effectively.

Atrial Septal Defect Symptoms

Atrial septal defect symptoms can be subtle, especially in adults. Many individuals may not experience noticeable issues, with the condition only being picked up during a routine medical check-up. However, in some cases, mild shortness of breath, chest pain, or heart palpitations can be a sign of ASD. The most common way ASD is detected is through a doctor hearing an unusual sound (heart murmur) while listening to your heart or during tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or an echocardiogram (TTE).

Getting the right tests and diagnosis is key to addressing the condition early if you’re concerned about atrial septal defect symptoms. Contact our office to schedule a private healthcare professional.

Below is the illustration showing the “hole in the heart” defect:

A graphic illustrating a case of ASD or hole in the heart

Private ASD Diagnosis and ASD Tests in the UK

If atrial septal defect symptoms are present, or if a doctor suspects ASD, further ASD tests are usually recommended. Firstly, a cardiologist will look into your symptoms and physical activity examination. After that, various ASD tests in the UK can help to diagnose the condition, including:

These ASD tests are vital in determining the size of the heart defect and deciding on the appropriate treatment path, monitoring, or closure. If you’re considering a private ASD diagnosis, our specialist cardiologists can offer more personalised and quicker assessments during consultation.

ASD Treatment Options

After a private ASD diagnosis, the next step is deciding on treatment. The approach to ASD treatment depends on the size of the hole and its impact on the heart. Monitoring might be sufficient for smaller atrial septum defects that aren’t causing significant problems. However, if closure is necessary, there are two main options:

  • Surgical procedure: An open-heart surgery to close the hole.
  • ASD Closure Device: A private ASD closure procedure is a minimally invasive approach that involves placing an umbrella-like device through a blood vessel and a small puncture in the groin to close the defect.

For many, the umbrella closure is preferred due to its less invasive nature, success rate, and quicker recovery time.

Below is an example of an umbrella device used to close ASDs:

a graphic illustrating the device used to close an atrial septal defect (ASD)

Ready to Book Your Private ASD Diagnosis?

Either give us a call, e-mail or fill out our simple contact form to arrange your consultation with London’s top cardiologist specialists.

Recognising atrial septal defect symptoms early and seeking the right ASD tests in the UK can make a significant difference in long-term health outcomes, reducing the risk of stroke. Whether you suspect ASD or have been diagnosed or seek medical advice from specialist cardiologists, we ensure you receive the best care.

Article by Dr Malik, a leading UK cardiologist. He works at One Welbeck Heart Health – London’s Largest Private Cardiology Group, and at Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, one of the largest NHS Trusts in the UK.

Understanding PFO Symptoms

A Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is a small flap-like opening between the heart’s upper chambers, typically closing soon after birth. However, around 25% of the population retains this opening. It usually has no implications for health and is NOT a hole in the heart.

A PFO can potentially cause health complications, including stroke. 

Most PFOs do NOT cause any symptoms. Symptoms of Patent Foramen Ovale, or PFO symptoms, can be subtle but may include:

  • Unexplained strokes 
  • Decompression sickness for divers
  • Migraine headaches
  • Irregular heartbeat

The link between PFO and stroke is significant in young patients who have experienced a stroke without other apparent causes. Rare syndromes have been linked to PFO, including breathing issues. 

What is a PFO?

A Patent Foramen Ovale is a remnant of fetal circulation. PFO allows blood to bypass the lungs before birth and usually closes shortly after. However, this doesn’t happen in some people and is considered a minor heart defect that can lead to potential complications with age, such as a higher risk of stroke due to blood clots forming and crossing the flap (paradoxical embolism).

The diagram below shows the PFO flap in cross-section and from the right side:

a diagram of the PFO flap in cross-section and from the right side

PFO Closure Procedure

If a cardiologist recommends this treatment plan, a private PFO closure can be performed using a small, umbrella-like closure device. The procedure involves passing a catheter through the leg (groin) vein back to the heart to close the opening, guided through a blood vessel by imaging tools like X-rays and ultrasound waves. Despite the risk of possible complications, it is a much less invasive procedure than open heart surgery.

If you’re experiencing PFO symptoms or are concerned about your heart health, contact our office to book a consultation to explore your treatment options.

Article by Dr Malik, a leading UK cardiologist. He works at One Welbeck Heart Health – London’s Largest Private Cardiology Group, and at Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, one of the largest NHS Trusts in the UK.