Cardiology (Heart) Services
Our cardiology team provide a range of services within the community for our patients.
More about us
In Swale, we provide:
- A heart failure service for support with diagnosis of heart failure and a dedicated service for people with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), a type of heart failure. Our cardiac specialist nurses will support you to understand your condition, through medication management and personal advice on lifestyle changes, all of which will help to improve your quality of life.
- A non-urgent cardiac diagnostic service in the community for 24hr BP monitors and five day cardiac event recorders
- A cardiac rehabilitation (CR) service for people with heart conditions. CR is a programme of exercise and information sessions to help you get back on your feet again after a heart attack, heart surgery or procedure. Our team of specialists will support you to recover as well as possible and enhance your quality of life by providing a safe environment for exercise classes and beneficial advice on lifestyle changes; all of which can reduce the risk of further heart problems.
In Dartford, Gravesend and Swanley, we provide:
- A heart failure service for people with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), a type of heart failure. Our cardiac specialist nurses will support you to understand your condition, through medication management and personal advice on lifestyle changes, all of which will help to improve your quality of life.
How do I access the service?
Access to the service is via your GP or following referral from your consultant.
This service is available for adults over the age of 18 years and for patients with a registered GP in Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley or Swale.
What happens once I have been referred?
Swale Heart Failure Service:
- HF diagnosis pathway – once we have received your referral from your GP, we will send the relevant details to the acute hospital who will arrange for the appropriate tests to take place and they will contact you directly to arrange this
- If you have a confirmed diagnosis of LVSD, we will contact you directly by letter or by phone to arrange an appointment to see you either in a clinic or within your home if appropriate
Diagnostics Service:
- Once we have received your GP referral, we will write to you, asking you to contact us to arrange a suitable appointment
Cardiac Rehabilitation:
- If you have had a heart attack, we will visit you in hospital and offer you ongoing support once you have gone home. If you have received care elsewhere, you will be referred to us by a health care professional and we will contact you by letter or by phone to arrange an initial appointment.
Dartford; Gravesham; Swanley Heart Failure Service:
- If you have a confirmed diagnosis of LVSD, we will contact you directly by letter or by phone to arrange an appointment to see you either in a clinic or within your home if appropriate
What happens at my appointment?
You may be offered a clinic appointment; home visit or cardiac exercise class, depending on your personal needs. At each appointment type, the clinician will explain to you what will happen throughout the appointment and ensure you are comfortable and agree to any assessment or treatment prior to it being undertaken.
Typically you will be asked questions relating to your general health and you may have a set of observations taken. If you attend the diagnostics clinic, you will be fitted with a monitor that examines the activity of your heart; this will be fully explained to you before the monitor and pads are attached.
Useful links
British Heart Foundation – Living with a heart condition
British Heart Foundation