How to choose a cardiologist in London and obtain a referral

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Exclude an urgent situation first

Current palpitations with chest pain, breathlessness, faintness or fainting require emergency help. The NHS gives 999 and A&E criteria ↗. If these symptoms have stopped, an urgent GP appointment or 111 is still needed.

Do not wait for a private cardiologist when a dangerous condition is possible. A smartwatch or home blood-pressure monitor cannot independently rule it out.

Routine pathway

For recurring irregular-heartbeat sensations, blood-pressure review or known disease, start with your GP. Prepare timing, duration, relationship to exercise, associated symptoms, medicines and family history. Bring home readings or device ECGs without treating them as your own diagnosis.

The GP decides initial tests and whether to make a referral ↗. Ask who checks results and what to do during another episode before specialist review.

Choosing private care

Check registration and cardiology specialty through the GMC ↗. Ask about the relevant interest: rhythm disorders, valve disease, heart failure and interventional procedures require different experience.

For insurance, approve the doctor, hospital and tests before payment. Claim arrangements ↗ depend on the policy; authorising one consultation does not necessarily cover later investigations.

Tests, costs and monitoring

Separately price ECG, echocardiogram, ambulatory monitoring, blood tests and follow-up. Ask what each test answers and who interprets it. Do not buy a package simply because it is called comprehensive.

Bring previous images, summaries and the full medicine list. Do not stop cardiac treatment independently before a test. Obtain a written plan, review dates and prescribing responsibility. For a chronic condition, compare continuing-care access and help for changing symptoms as well as the initial fee.