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.
Cardiac patient stories
How a health kick revealed a serious heart condition
How a valve replacement helped Steve breathe easy again
When Steve found out his breathlessness was caused by a narrowed aortic valve, he was terrified of the thought of the open-heart surgery that might be needed to treat it. But with the expertise of Professor Sagar Doshi at The Harborne Hospital, he learned he could have a ‘keyhole’ alternative called TAVI.
Designing a new heart
Using his experience in 3D printing for his architecture clients, David built a life-size model of his own heart and ribcage to help visualise and plan his endoscopic heart surgery with Mr Toufan Bahrami.
Just two months after undergoing heart surgery at The Harley Street Clinic, David, who is in his 70s, is looking forward to his forthcoming trip to Copenhagen, Stockholm and Gothenburg with his wife.
Swimmer overcomes atrial fibrillation with gold medal glory
Andrew, 58, was training for a triathlon when he had his first occurrence of atrial fibrillation, causing palpitations and shortness of breath.
Solving Alex’s undiagnosed heart condition
At the age of 12, dancer Alex Brookes began experiencing irregular heart palpations. After initially being told it was nothing to worry about, her symptoms persisted and her mum decided it was best to seek medical advice and chose The Portland Hospital.
Chris's story: Atrial fibrillation
Since he was a teenager, Chris (now 44) had suffered from an irregular heartbeat. Whenever his heart would beat too fast, he was told he was having a panic attack.
David's story: Life-saving heart surgery
When David needed a triple heart bypass, he got a referral into our Acute Admissions Service who operated on him when time was of the essence.
Treating Helaina's heart rhythm disorder
Helaina from Northamptonshire was just 16 when she began experiencing unusual symptoms, including shortness of breath and heart palpitations, which rapidly worsened. She was otherwise fit, healthy and a huge lover of the great outdoors, leading to her family to grow concerned.
"Time is of the essence with my heart, as I have diabetes"
Saleem, 57, keeps an active lifestyle to remain fit and healthy. He plays badminton once a week and goes for a walk in the morning and evening every day. Despite having type 2 diabetes, he continues to have a balanced and energetic life.
First-time visit to the UK for complex cardiac surgery
Raymond travelled all the way from his home in Houston, Texas to London Bridge Hospital for life-changing cardiac surgery in September 2020. Here he shares his story, and why he’s so grateful for the work of not only his consultant who operated on him, but the entire London Bridge Hospital team.
Susan's journey to heart health
A family history of cardiac issues and annual check-ups unveiled a series of new conditions.
Judith's cardiac treatment
For years, Judith knew there was something wrong with her heart. At London Bridge Hospital, she finally had the life-changing treatment she needed.
Kirti's heart rhythm story
How a life-changing cardiac procedure stopped Kirti worrying about her heart health. Kirti first felt a heart palpitation back in 2016 whilst out shopping. After delaying seeking specialist advice, she sought the expertise of Dr Mike Koa-Wing, Consultant Cardiologist at The Wellington Hospital, in 2020 after the palpations got worse. Here Kirti shares her story.
"I thought I'd never dive again"
Aithne was diagnosed with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or a ‘hole in the heart', and was treated by Dr Brian Clapp, Consultant Cardiologist at London Bridge Hospital, so she could get back to doing the thing she loved most: diving.