A general cardiology consultation is the starting point for most heart problems. It covers your history, your symptoms, an examination, and a review of any tests you have already had.

The purpose of the first appointment is to work out which question needs answering. Chest discomfort, breathlessness, palpitations, dizziness, an abnormal ECG or a family history of heart disease are all common reasons to be referred, and each points toward a different set of investigations.

Some people leave the first appointment with a plan and no tests at all. Others need one or more investigations before anything can be said with confidence. Which of those applies is the thing the consultation is there to establish.

What to expect

Bring your referral, a list of your current medications, and any previous test results or imaging you have.
Allow time for an examination and an ECG.
You will be told what the next step is before you leave, including whether any further investigation is needed.