When should you see a cardiologist?

Chest discomfort, breathlessness on mild exertion, palpitations or unexplained fatigue deserve assessment. Severe or sudden chest pain is an emergency: seek emergency care immediately.

Risk factors that lower the threshold for a specialist review include diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, a strong family history of early heart disease and raised cholesterol.

Bring a list of your current medicines, previous reports and any imaging you have had. This helps avoid repeat testing.