Coastal Cardiology

Coastal Cardiology Dr Chris Critoph Consultant Cardiologist based in Bournemouth, Dorset.

There are some amazing stats surrounding the world of cardiology, and I thought you might be interested to know a few of...
23/07/2025

There are some amazing stats surrounding the world of cardiology, and I thought you might be interested to know a few of them…

• Ancient Egyptians believed the heart was the centre of intelligence and emotion, not the brain, which is why during mummification, they removed the brain but preserved the heart because it would be needed in the afterlife for judgment.
• In 1780, Luigi Galvani discovered that electricity could make a frog’s heart twitch - laying the foundation for our modern understanding of electrophysiology and defibrillation.
• Dr. Ludwig Rehn in Germany performed the first successful heart surgery - he sutured a stab wound to the right ventricle in 1896.
• In 1958, the first internal pacemaker was implanted - but earlier prototypes in the 1950s were external boxes plugged into wall outlets.
• Until the 1960s, closed-chest cardiac massage (now called CPR) was not standard. Before that, most cardiac arrests were treated with open-chest compressions or direct massage during surgery - obviously impractical outside an OR.

Any that really surprised you?

At Coastal Cardiology, your heart health is our priority. We offer comprehensive cardiac care services, including heart ...
03/07/2025

At Coastal Cardiology, your heart health is our priority.

We offer comprehensive cardiac care services, including heart health check-ups, diagnostic tests, and personalised treatment plans. Whether you need routine monitoring or specialised care, we're here to help you every step of the way.

Visit www.coastalcadiology.co.uk to find out more about our services and book your appointment today.

Your heart deserves the best care.

This fact is not meant to scare-monger, but to highlight the importance of looking after your heart and your health; hea...
26/06/2025

This fact is not meant to scare-monger, but to highlight the importance of looking after your heart and your health; heart and circulatory diseases are the number one cause of death in the UK — accounting for 26% of all deaths.

That's more than 1 in 4 lives lost to conditions that are often preventable or manageable with the right care.

- Regular check-ups
- Heart-healthy lifestyle
- Effective treatment

It all makes a difference.

I recently saw a patient who, after some tests, discovered she had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a serious condition whic...
18/06/2025

I recently saw a patient who, after some tests, discovered she had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a serious condition which can be fatal.

Like most people, she went home and immediately Googled 'hypertrophic cardiomyopathy'; a fortress of information. But, giving good advice about inherited heart conditions is not something it does well. All it did was make her more scared, reading about cases, such as footballers, who have dropped dead of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy on the football pitch.

Fortunately, she also came across my own website and booked in to see me privately. We had an hour-long consultation together, thoroughly explaining her condition, and debunking many of the things she had read online.

Based on a complex algorithm that cardiologists use to measure risk, we were able to give her personalised advice and reassure her that her risk was very small.

There is so much misconception and bad advice out there, so be sure you get yours from a reputable source.

Whilst the internet is a wonderful thing, Dr Google cannot replace seeing an expert.

If you are experiencing any heart pain, there is never any harm in getting it checked, but here are a few occasions wher...
12/06/2025

If you are experiencing any heart pain, there is never any harm in getting it checked, but here are a few occasions where you should seek more urgent attention -

• Chest pain or discomfort that feels like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or burning • Pain that spreads to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach
• Shortness of breath, with or without chest pain
• Sweating, nausea, or light-headedness
• Sudden fatigue or feeling faint
• Pain lasting more than a few minutes, or that comes and goes
• Occurs during physical activity or stress and eases with rest It's always safer to rule out a heart issue than to ignore something serious.

As a cardiologist, I am deeply concerned by the escalating NHS cardiology waiting times in England. As of January 2025, ...
04/06/2025

As a cardiologist, I am deeply concerned by the escalating NHS cardiology waiting times in England.

As of January 2025, there were 425,398 patients awaiting routine cardiac care, marking a 4% increase from the previous month and more than double the number from January 2021. Alarmingly, over 9,000 patients have been waiting more than a year for time-critical heart tests and treatments - an increase from just 28 in February 2020. This backlog poses significant risks, including potential long-term disability or premature death for many individuals.

The British Heart Foundation's Hearts Need More campaign is urging immediate action to address this crisis, emphasising the need for increased investment in heart disease prevention, prioritization of NHS heart care, and enhanced cardiovascular research.

What can you do?
• Stay informed and share this message.
• Support campaigns advocating for improved healthcare services.
• Encourage loved ones to seek timely medical advice if experiencing heart-related symptoms.

Together, we can make a difference. Let's ensure that heart health remains a priority.

I recently saw a female patient who had symptoms that were not necessarily typical for a heart problem and she had strug...
28/05/2025

I recently saw a female patient who had symptoms that were not necessarily typical for a heart problem and she had struggled to get a diagnosis. When we ran some tests, it turned out she did have a cardiac diagnosis, and we're starting appropriate treatment.

But, this made me think, if she were male, things may have been different, and in fact there is a lot of research showing this to be the case. It is topics like this that I discuss in my weekly members blog in our members only section of the website.

This exclusive space is offered on an annual subscription basis and gives members access to a backlog of articles and blog posts dating back to 2018, which is added to, and updated, on a weekly basis.

Want to find out more? Visit https://www.coastalcardiology.co.uk/members/

There is a reason why many people are opting to pay for healthcare privately. Firstly, you get to be seen without delay...
21/05/2025

There is a reason why many people are opting to pay for healthcare privately.

Firstly, you get to be seen without delay… and one of the best benefits, in fact, is you are guaranteed to see me at each and every visit, not a junior doctor.

There are no waiting lists or delays. Consultations last 45 minutes for new patients, and 30 minutes for follow ups, which gives us lots of time to fully discuss your individual concerns and options for treatment, with all the time you need to answer any questions you may have, big or small. You are guaranteed a warm reception at the clinic, which is in a nice environment, and we are used to putting people at ease. You also get to see me at your convenience; you can make an appointment to see me at a time that suits you.

Just give us a call on 01202 084550 and speak to one of my team to get you booked in.

15/05/2025

May is National Walking Month – Let’s Talk Heart Health!

As a cardiologist, I can't stress this enough: walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to care for your heart.

Just 30 minutes a day can:

✔️ Lower blood pressure
✔️ Improve circulation
✔️ Reduce stress
✔️ Support healthy cholesterol levels
✔️ Help manage weight

You don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment, just a pair of shoes and a little commitment. Whether it’s a stroll at lunch, walking meetings, or evening walks with family, every step counts.

Your heart will thank you!

Have you ever had that feeling of your heart skipping a beat? From a cardiology perspective, a "skipped beat" or irregul...
30/04/2025

Have you ever had that feeling of your heart skipping a beat?

From a cardiology perspective, a "skipped beat" or irregular heartbeat, known as palpitations, can be caused by several factors. These irregularities often occur in the form of an extra or missed beat, creating the sensation of a skipped or fluttering beat.

Here are a few common reasons why this may happen:
• Excessive consumption of caffeine, ni****ne, or other stimulants can cause the heart to beat faster and irregularly. This can also lead to sensations of skipped beats, particularly in those sensitive to stimulants.
• Electrolytes like potassium, calcium, and magnesium help regulate the electrical impulses in your heart. Imbalances, often caused by dehydration or poor diet, can lead to arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) and the sensation of skipped beats.
• Hormonal fluctuations due to pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders can impact heart rhythm, causing palpitations or a sensation of skipped beats.

While occasional skipped beats are usually harmless, if you experience frequent palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Got a question? Just ask!

We do what we do for our patients, so to receive feedback like this, always makes us smile! If you would like to book a...
23/04/2025

We do what we do for our patients, so to receive feedback like this, always makes us smile!

If you would like to book a consultation with me personally to be seen directly – simply click the link below.

I hold regular clinics at the Nuffield Hospital and the Dorset Heart Clinic based at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. You don’t need a GP referral to book yourself an appointment.

Book here - https://www.coastalcardiology.co.uk/consultation/

While an occasional glass of wine is something I enjoy, excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure, contribu...
16/04/2025

While an occasional glass of wine is something I enjoy, excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure, contribute to heart disease, and increase your risk of stroke.

To keep your heart healthy:
• Stick to the recommended limits: up to 14 units per week, spread over at least 3 days, and avoid bingeing
• Remember the ‘empty’ calorie content of alcoholic drinks
• Always balance alcohol with a healthy diet and regular exercise Remember, your heart health is a reflection of the lifestyle choices you make.

Cheers to moderation!

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