CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Acute coronary syndrome
- See a cardiac specialist within 24 hours
- No.1 in the UK for private cardiac care
- 99% of cardiac patients would recommend us to friends and family
Acute coronary syndrome at HCA Healthcare UK
Why choose us?
Choose HCA UK and you’ll be looked after by a skilled team of cardiac experts who specialise in every aspect of diagnosis and treatment. We’ve cared for over 110,000 patients in the last three years alone and an outstanding 99% of our clinical outcomes are successful.
With access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies across our network of hospitals, your heart will be in safe hands. It’s why we’re the UK’s no.1 for private cardiovascular care and how we’re able to offer you the powerfully personalised support you need.
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is an umbrella term for a specific medical emergency: when the blood supplying your heart muscle is suddenly significantly reduced or blocked.
This might be as a result of a heart attack, or because you have unstable angina. These are both acute coronary syndromes that require emergency care.
It’s important that you get any worrying symptoms checked by an expert as soon as possible. If you think you may have ACS, you should call 999.
Acute coronary syndrome is usually caused by the sudden, partial or total obstruction of a coronary artery because of a rupture of atherosclerotic plaque. This can cause a blood clot to form which prevents blood from flowing to your heart muscle, in turn triggering a heart attack or unstable angina. These are both types of acute coronary syndrome.
ACS is more likely to happen if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or obesity. If you smoke or are physically inactive, you’re also at higher risk.
250+
cardiology consultants across our network
35,000
cardiac patients treated every year
48 hours
or less results turnaround
Innovative treatments
See a specialist and get dedicated, expert care
State-of-the-art facilities
New techniques and technology
Rapid access
Get tests, scans and results fast
Think you might have acute coronary syndrome?
See a cardiac specialist and get an expert diagnosis.
Have a referral letter and need to book?
Simply book a test, scan or treatment directly today.
Unsure of a diagnosis and need some answers?
Talk to a cardiologist and get the personal care you need.
Acute coronary syndrome tests and scans at HCA UK
The fast, expert diagnosis you need
If your doctor suspects that you may have ACS, you’ll need urgent tests. These can be conducted in the emergency department of your nearest hospital, and they may include imaging and blood tests.
With an electrocardiogram (ECG) imaging test, electrodes will be attached to your skin to measure the electrical activity in your heart. The characteristic changes that ACS causes can be seen in the ECG, helping to confirm a diagnosis.
If you’ve had a heart attack, the death of heart muscle will cause key cardiac enzymes in your blood to rise, so you may also need specialist blood tests to confirm your diagnosis.
Acute coronary syndrome treatments at HCA UK
Specialist urgent intervention
Your specialist team will try to restore blood flow to your heart by conducting an urgent angioplasty and stenting.
This involves passing a deflated balloon through a catheter, via your groin or wrist. This is then inflated to help open your narrowed or blocked artery. A stent is then expanded there and remains within the blood vessel, preserving vital blood flow to your heart.
Once you’re stable, your cardiac consultant will talk you through the best next steps for your particular condition.
This involves passing a deflated balloon through a catheter, via your groin or wrist. This is then inflated to help open your narrowed or blocked artery. A stent is then expanded there and remains within the blood vessel, preserving vital blood flow to your heart.
Once you’re stable, your cardiac consultant will talk you through the best next steps for your particular condition.
Get started
See an acute coronary syndrome specialist in as little as 24 hours
We’ll do everything we can to fit around your schedule, including offering virtual appointments should you need one. However, if you can see a consultant in person, it helps accurately assess your condition and ensure you’re getting the prompt care you need.
Don’t have a referral? Don’t worry.
Our private GPs can refer you to the right specialist for expert diagnosis. You can often get a same- or next-day appointment, so get in touch and see how we can help.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Acute coronary syndrome tests FAQs
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a common clinical condition affecting approximately 93,500 people in the UK every year. Heart attacks and unstable angina are both forms of ACS, characterised by a sudden lack of blood supply to your heart.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet, as well as not smoking are all excellent ways of keeping your heart healthy.
Our patients' stories
David’s story: Recognising the need for urgent acute care
David is an energetic, friendly, 78 year old man with a smile that lights up a room. You’d never guess he’s managing two ongoing heart conditions – aortic stenosis and atrial fibrillation – and has recently recovered from acute pulmonary oedema, a condition that required a 10-day hospital stay.
How a health kick revealed a serious heart condition
When the UK went into lockdown in March 2020, like millions of others, 56-year-old House Manager James took the opportunity to introduce some simple daily exercise into his busy work schedule. Little did he know that the changes would reveal a hidden heart condition, that would require a triple heart bypass to fix.
“We felt like we weren’t invisible. We felt involved in how the treatment and recovery progressed. They paid attention to what I was saying as I can recognise David’s symptoms.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.