What is a heart failure assessment? A Consultant Cardiologist's guide
A heart failure assessment investigates whether the heart is struggling to pump blood effectively, which can cause breathlessness, tiredness and swelling of the ankles. Heart failure is a condition to be managed rather than feared, and modern treatment can improve symptoms and quality of life considerably when the cause is correctly identified. Assessment combines a careful history and examination with tests including an ECG, an echocardiogram and blood tests.
The term heart failure covers several different conditions, and identifying which one is present matters a great deal, because the right treatment depends on the cause. An echocardiogram is central to this, since it shows how well the heart is pumping and how the valves and chambers are working. At the Devonshire Street clinic in London, heart failure is assessed by Professor Michael Henein, a Professor of Cardiology with internationally recognised clinical and cardiac imaging expertise. The echocardiogram is performed and interpreted by a senior consultant, so the cause and severity are established accurately. This matters because the most effective treatment depends on identifying the specific type and cause of heart failure, which differs from patient to patient.
Who needs a heart failure assessment?
An assessment is appropriate for people with breathlessness on exertion or when lying flat, unexplained tiredness, ankle swelling, or a known heart condition that may be affecting pump function. It is also valuable for those with risk factors such as previous heart attack, high blood pressure or valve disease, and for anyone whose existing heart failure needs review. Patients from London, other UK cities and abroad.
What to expect on the day
1
A detailed discussion of your symptoms and history, followed by a physical examination.
2
An ECG and an echocardiogram to assess how well the heart is pumping, with blood tests where appropriate.
3
Professor Henein explains the findings, the likely cause, and how the condition can be managed.
4
You leave with a clear treatment and monitoring plan, shared with your GP where you wish.
What is included
Assessment establishes the type and cause of heart failure and sets out a plan that may include medication, lifestyle measures and regular review. Where further imaging is needed, Professor Henein can arrange and interpret it himself, keeping the assessment coordinated and avoiding unnecessary delay.
Why choose Professor Henein for a heart failure assessment
Diagnosing and managing heart failure well depends on accurate imaging and experienced clinical judgement. Professor Henein is a Consultant Cardiologist and Professor of Cardiology with fifteen years at Royal Brompton Hospital, a hospital internationally known for heart and lung care, together with a substantial academic record including hundreds of scientific publications, with many of them in the field of heart failure.
Because he manages the complete patient journey from diagnosis through treatment, your ongoing care stays under one expert who understands your condition fully.
Common questions about a heart failure assessment
What are the signs of heart failure?
Can heart failure be treated?
Which tests are used?
Assessment usually combines a history and examination with an ECG, an echocardiogram and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis and its cause.
What should I bring?
Bring any relevant records and a list of your current medication so the assessment is as complete as possible.
Will my care continue after the assessment?
Yes. Heart failure benefits from ongoing review, and Professor Henein manages the complete patient journey, so your treatment and monitoring stay under one experienced consultant.
Book a heart failure assessment
To arrange a heart failure assessment with Professor Michael Henein, contact the clinic at 16 Devonshire Street, London W1G 7AF, in the heart of the Harley Street medical district. Appointments are available to patients from London, other UK cities and abroad. To book, call +44 20 7228 8546 or email hayley.gibbs@hcaconsultant.co.uk, or use the booking button on this page to request an appointment. Professor Henein oversees each stage of your care, from your first appointment through any imaging, diagnosis and treatment, so your heart is looked after by one experienced consultant throughout.