Just two months after undergoing heart surgery at The Harley Street Clinic, part of HCA Healthcare UK, David, who is in his 70s, is looking forward to his forthcoming trip to Copenhagen, Stockholm and Gothenburg with his wife.
Heart Failure
- ✔ The UK’s No.1* for private cardiac care
- ✔ See a cardiac specialist next working day**
- ✔ 99% success rate across all cardiac surgery
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Heart failure care at HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK you’ll be looked after in state-of-the-art facilities by a team of experts dedicated to your care. We treat more cardiac patients than any other UK private healthcare provider, with a 99% success rate across all cardiac surgery.
So, when 99% of our patients say they trust us, you can trust them.
Despite the frightening name, heart failure - or congestive heart failure as it’s also known - doesn't mean your heart has stopped beating. It means your heart has become weak or stiff, either from disease or injury, and may struggle to pump enough blood around your body, particularly when you exert yourself.
Heart failure can be either acute (which means it comes on suddenly and without warning) or chronic (a longer-term condition). It’s more common in people over the age of 75, and men tend to have a higher risk than women.
Heart failure can be either acute (which means it comes on suddenly and without warning) or chronic (a longer-term condition). It’s more common in people over the age of 75, and men tend to have a higher risk than women.
It’s important to remember that, while the following symptoms may be signs of heart failure, there are many other possible causes.
• Chest pain
• Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea and lack of appetite
• Persistent cough or wheezing, with white or pink blood-tinged mucus
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet (oedema)
• Swelling of the abdomen (stomach)
• Very rapid weight gain
If you’re worried about your symptoms and would like to speak to a GP, you can book same-day and next-day private GP appointments with us.
There are a number of conditions that can lead to heart failure. These include:
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Cardiomyopathy
• Congenital heart defects
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Obesity
• Smoking and drug use
Heart failure can be the result of a combination of these factors. If you’re worried about the health of your heart, we can help. Get in touch now and you could be speaking to one of our expert consultants within 24 hours.
While there’s no cure for heart failure, we’ve treated thousands of patients with procedures that help them to live longer, more active lives with fewer symptoms.
Your treatment will depend on how serious your condition is, and your consultant will discuss all your options with you to make sure you have a treatment plan you’re completely happy with.
Find out more about the treatments we offer, and get in touch to see how we can help you.
95%
Clinical success rate in the last year
3,000
Patients treated in the UK this year
770
Expert cardiology consultants for you to choose from
Next day appointments
You’ll have access to to a cardiac consultant within 24 hours.*
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours.*
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Visit any one of 15 dedicated diagnostic centres in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Worried about your heart, but not sure what to do?
Get in touch and book a same- or next-day GP appointment
Have a referral and need to book?
If you’ve already got your referral letter, it couldn’t be simpler. You can book a test, scan or treatment directly.
Unsure of a diagnosis and need some answers?
That’s no problem. Get in touch and one of our expert cardiologists can talk you through everything you need to know.
Cardiac tests and scans at HCA UK
State-of-the-art cardiac diagnosis
At HCA UK, you’ll have access to the UK's most comprehensive private diagnostics network, with the latest tests and imaging scans, and results delivered in as little as 48 hours.
That’s because we invest heavily in our hospitals to ensure we offer you the best possible experience, and the best possible outcome.
These include:
✔ X-rays
Cardiac treatments at HCA UK
The fact we see more cardiac patients than any other private health provider means we have the experience, alongside with our investment in state-of-the-art technology and innovative procedures, to deliver better outcomes for our patients.
Treatment for heart failure involves controlling the symptoms for as long as possible and slowing down the progression of the disease to give you a longer, more active life with fewer symptoms.
Some of the treatments we offer include:
✔ Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) devices
✔ Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)
✔ Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)
Of course, as well as surgery, we’re able to help many patients manage their condition through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes as well.
Book your next-day appointment with an expert cardiology consultant
If you don’t have a referral, don’t worry. Our private GPs can refer you to an appropriate consultant or for further tests. You can often get a same- or next-day appointment, so get in touch today to 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 of 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 give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
FAQs
Put simply, if you feel well enough to work, it shouldn’t be a problem.
However, if you feel that your condition is affecting your ability to do your job properly, you should talk to your employer to find a solution that works for you both. They’ll be able to make any adjustments possible to help, such as altering your work patterns, or helping with travel, or hybrid working if necessary.
If you have heart failure, you’ll need to check with your doctor to see if it’s safe for you to drive.
You’ll also need to tell the DVLA about your condition.
If you feel well enough to travel, it should be fine. But you should always check with your doctor before you travel.
It’s also a good idea to inform the airline of your condition if you’re flying as they may be able to help with transport to and from your gate if necessary.
If you're going to be sitting down for long periods of time, wearing flight socks and doing some exercises will help to reduce the risk of blood clots.
You should also check that you’re covered by your travel insurance provider.
If you have heart failure it can be very stressful on your body. You can help to alleviate some of this stress by looking after yourself with some simple changes to your lifestyle.
These include:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet, rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, and low in processed meats, fat and sugar
- Maintaining a healthy weight (and losing weight if necessary)
- Cutting down on alcohol (not exceeding the recommended limit of 14 units per week)
- Giving up smoking
- Taking regular physical exercise: you’ll need to start slowly and build up your activity level gradually. Ask your doctor for advice before starting a new exercise regime.
Our patients' stories
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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.
“It was everything one imagines it should be. The people are amazing – all the staff at all levels. They were very attentive, very helpful.”
* Based on national private cardiac volumes. Data source: Private Health Information Network, March 2024
** Based on availability across HCA UK facilities. Appointments team open Monday-Friday excluding bank holidays.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.