Coastal Cardiology

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Coastal Cardiology

Dr Chris Critoph Consultant Cardiologist based in Bournemouth, Dorset.

19/02/2026

As a cardiologist, I talk about heart health every day, but I want to share something more personal.

I have - in the past - had to perform CPR at a party I was attending. Not in a hospital. Not with monitors and a full team. Just people, panic, and seconds that mattered.

That moment reinforced something I’ve always known: cardiac arrest doesn’t wait for the “right” setting. It happens in homes, at celebrations, at work, in everyday life. And the difference between life and death often comes down to whether someone nearby knows what to do.

CPR isn’t complicated. You don’t need to be a doctor. You just need the confidence to act.

Early CPR can double, even triple, survival rates. Learning CPR is one of the most powerful, practical skills you can ever have. You may never need it… but if you do, you’ll never regret knowing it.

Please consider taking a CPR course. You could save a life - maybe someone you love.

14/02/2026

This Valentine’s Day, let’s talk about the most important love of all -

As a cardiologist, I see every day how much your heart does for you without asking for anything in return. It works through stress, late nights, busy lives, and big emotions - quietly and constantly.

Valentine’s Day is a lovely reminder to show care and appreciation, not just to others, but to yourself too. Small choices matter: moving your body, managing stress, eating well, resting properly, and getting checked when something doesn’t feel right.

Love isn’t just roses and chocolates. Sometimes, it’s choosing habits that protect your heart for the long run. Take a moment today to do something kind for your heart - it’s been showing up for you your whole life.

05/02/2026

Oestrogen affects the heart positively, by strengthening the walls of the arteries and other blood vessels, and reduces the build-up of fatty deposits.

Lower oestrogen levels related to menopause can raise blood cholesterol, increase blood pressure, reduce bone mineral density, impact mood and libido.

Changing hormone levels can also cause palpitations. An early menopause (

28/01/2026

Blood pressure is one of the simplest, and most important, indicators of heart health. But do you really know what those numbers mean?

💙 Systolic Pressure (Top Number): This measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. Higher numbers can indicate your heart is working harder than it should.
💙 Diastolic Pressure (Bottom Number): This measures the pressure in your arteries between beats, when your heart is resting. Consistently high numbers here may signal your arteries are under strain even at rest.
💙 What’s Considered “Normal”?
• Normal: around 120/80 mmHg
• Elevated: 120–129 /

21/01/2026

Heart health is full of fascinating facts — and some might surprise you!

Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Your heart beats around 100,000 times a day — that’s over 35 million times a year!
- The heart can continue beating even when it’s disconnected from the body, as long as it has oxygen.
- Regular walking for just 30 minutes a day can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.
- High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it can cause serious damage without obvious symptoms.

Taking small steps toward a heart-healthy lifestyle can make a huge difference over time.

14/01/2026

You’ve probably heard of cholesterol and know it has something to do with heart health, but what is it really?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body genuinely needs. It helps build cells, produce hormones, and make vitamin D. The issue isn’t cholesterol itself - it’s how it’s carried around your bloodstream.

Your cholesterol travels in particles called lipoproteins:

• LDL (low-density lipoprotein)
These particles tend to deposit cholesterol in the artery wall. Over time, this can contribute to plaque build-up, narrowing the arteries and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

• HDL (high-density lipoprotein)
These particles help transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for processing and removal.

Neither LDL nor HDL is “good” or “bad” in isolation, it’s the balance between them, and the overall context of your metabolism, that matters.

The good news? Diet, exercise, sleep, and lifestyle choices can meaningfully shift these levels in the right direction.

Understanding your cholesterol profile is one of the simplest and most powerful steps you can take to protect your heart for the long term.

07/01/2026

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.

31/12/2025

Wishing you all a wonderful New year and may 2026 be your best year yet.

24/12/2025

Wishing you all a happy and healthy Christmas.

May it be filled with love and laughter.

17/12/2025

I recently saw a woman whose symptoms didn’t sound like a “typical” heart problem. She’d been searching for answers for some time. After running the right tests, we discovered that her symptoms were in fact cardiac in origin, and we were able to start treatment straight away.

It made me stop and think. Time and again, research shows that women’s heart symptoms are often overlooked or misattributed - something I see far too often in practice.

These are exactly the kinds of real-world stories and insights I share in my weekly members’ blog: honest discussions about patient cases (anonymised, of course), the latest research explained clearly, and practical advice on how to protect your long-term heart health.

Membership gives you full access to every article and blog post dating back to 2018, with new content added every week. If you’re curious about your own heart health, or simply want to understand more about how medicine really works behind the scenes, join the Coastal Cardiology members’ community today.

Find out more here https://www.coastalcardiology.co.uk/members/

09/12/2025

At Coastal Cardiology, we aim for clear explanations, no jargon, and enough time for you to ask every question you need to. If you’re worried about your heart health and want reassurance (not panic), we’re here to help.

26/11/2025

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. There is lots of time in a consultation 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.

Address

Nuffield Hospital Bournemouth 67 Lansdowne Road Bournemouth
Bournemouth
BH11RW

Website

https://www.coastalcardiology.co.uk/

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