One heart team, two ways in
Quillon Heart is an outpatient cardiology practice. Patients can book directly. GPs and other clinicians can refer through a pathway that a cardiologist reads every working day.
Send a referral, or talk to the duty cardiologist
Conditions and symptoms, A to Z
Not sure which one fits? Describe what you’ve noticed on the booking form and we’ll match you to the right clinic.
Atrial fibrillation
An irregular heart rhythm, new or long-standing.
Often starts with: ECG, Holter monitorBlackouts and fainting
Losing consciousness, or feeling close to it.
Often starts with: ECG, Holter monitorBreathlessness
Getting short of breath more easily than you used to.
Often starts with: ECG, echocardiogramChest discomfort
Tightness or pressure, with activity or at rest.
Often starts with: ECG, stress testFamily history reviews
Close relatives with heart conditions at a young age.
Often starts with: ECG, echocardiogramHeart failure
Ongoing care when the heart is not pumping as it should.
Often starts with: EchocardiogramHeart murmurs
A sound heard at a routine check that needs a closer look.
Often starts with: EchocardiogramHeart valve conditions
Narrowed or leaking valves, reviewed over time.
Often starts with: EchocardiogramHigh blood pressure
Including readings that are hard to bring under control.
Often starts with: Ambulatory blood pressurePalpitations
A racing, fluttering or pounding heartbeat, or skipped beats.
Often starts with: Holter monitorPre-operative heart checks
A review before planned surgery, at your surgeon’s request.
Often starts with: ECG, echocardiogramRisk reviews
Blood pressure, cholesterol and family history together.
Often starts with: ECG, bloods reviewWhat each test is, and how to get ready
| Test | What it is | How long | Getting ready |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECGElectrocardiogram | Records the heart’s electrical activity through small stickers on the chest, arms and legs. | 10 minutes | No special preparation. A top that opens at the front helps. |
| EchocardiogramHeart ultrasound | Uses ultrasound to look at the heart’s structure and movement. | 30 to 45 minutes | Eat and drink as normal. A gown is provided. |
| Exercise stress testTreadmill test | Records your ECG and blood pressure as you walk at a rising pace. | 45 to 60 minutes | Comfortable shoes and clothes. Your letter covers food, drink and medicines. |
| Holter monitor24 hour to 7 day recorder | A small recorder worn at home that tracks heart rhythm through daily life. | 15 minute fitting | A loose top. Keep the short diary we give you, then return the recorder. |
| Ambulatory blood pressure24 hour monitor | A cuff worn for a day and night that takes regular readings. | 15 minute fitting | A loose sleeve. Go about a normal day and note when you sleep and wake. |
| Cardiac CTBy referral, at a partner imaging centre | A scan that builds detailed pictures of the heart and its arteries. | About 1 hour | The imaging centre sends instructions on food, drink and caffeine. |
This is a general guide. Your appointment letter has the instructions for your own test, including anything about your usual medicines. If the two differ, follow the letter.
What to bring
- Your referral letterIf you have one. You can still book without it.
- A list of current medicinesOr bring the boxes, including anything you buy yourself.
- Past test resultsECGs, scans or letters from other hospitals.
- Home readingsBlood pressure notes or pulse recordings, if you keep them.
- Notes on your symptomsWhen they happen, how long they last, what you were doing.
- Someone to come with youWelcome in the room, and useful for a second pair of ears.
The rapid access clinic
A clinic for people whose doctor would like them seen promptly for new symptoms, with tests and a cardiologist in one visit.
People with recent symptoms such as exertional chest discomfort, referred by a GP or another clinician.
An ECG, blood pressure, an assessment with a cardiologist and any tests that can be done in the same visit.
Plan for a morning or an afternoon. You’ll leave knowing what happens next, and your doctor gets a letter.
An emergency service. If symptoms are severe or happening now, call your local emergency number.
Refer a patient
Our commitment: every referral is read by the duty cardiologist, and we aim to confirm the triage decision to you within one working day.
Clinician line, weekdays 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- You send
Through the secure portal, with your clinical question and any recent results.
- We triage
The duty cardiologist reads the referral and sets its priority, or replies with written advice.
- We reply, then book
You hear the outcome from us. We contact your patient directly with a date.
What to send
- Your clinical question, in a line or two
- Recent ECG, if you have one
- Blood results and any imaging
- Current medicines and allergies
- Relevant history and frailty
- Language, access or capacity needs
How urgent referrals are triaged
New symptoms that need a prompt look.
A worsening known condition, or a result of concern.
Stable symptoms, risk and family history reviews.
You keep care, and we answer your question.
If your patient is acutely unwell, please send them to emergency care instead of using the portal.
Who you’ll see
You’ll be matched to the cardiologist whose interest fits your symptoms, or you can ask for someone by name.
Dr Anneke Varrow
ImagingConsultant cardiologist. Specialist training in cardiology. Fellowship in echocardiography.
Mon, Wed and Thu at Tamsin Row
Dr Rafael Ostrand
RhythmConsultant cardiologist. Specialist training in cardiology. Fellowship in heart rhythm care.
Tue and Fri at Tamsin Row
Dr Meera Thackwell
Heart failureConsultant cardiologist. Specialist training in cardiology. Advanced training in heart failure care.
Mon and Thu at Orrel Gate
Lena Dorvall
Tests and monitoringLead cardiac physiologist. Degree in cardiac physiology. Further training in echocardiography.
Runs the test suite, Mon to Sat
Where to find us
Tamsin Row
41 Tamsin Row. Mon to Fri 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sat 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
Orrel Gate
7 Orrel Gate, above the health centre. Mon and Thu 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Need help getting here?
Call (555) 014-2230 to talk through transport, access or an interpreter.