Your Valve Clinic Appointment

Who will I see?

We care for people with a wide range of heart valve conditions and run several specialist clinics to ensure patients receive the most appropriate care for their needs.

Consultant Cardiologist Clinic

Patients with more complex valve disease, new symptoms, or those being assessed for possible valve treatment will usually be seen by one of our Consultant Cardiologists.

During your appointment, we will review your symptoms, discuss any test results and agree a plan for your ongoing care. Around half of patients attending this clinic will also have an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound scan) on the same day.

As additional tests may be required, please allow between 1 and 4 hours for your visit.

Some patients who are stable and do not require further testing may be offered a telephone follow-up appointment with their consultant. These appointments usually last between 15 and 30 minutes.

Specialist Valve Nurse Clinic

Patients with stable valve disease, or those who have previously undergone valve surgery or a keyhole valve procedure, may be followed up in our Specialist Valve Nurse Clinic.

Our specialist valve nurses work closely with the consultant team and have expertise in the long-term management of heart valve disease.

Appointments are usually carried out by telephone, although face-to-face appointments can be arranged when required. These consultations typically last 15 to 30 minutes.

Specialist Valve Sonographer Clinic

Patients who require long-term monitoring of their valve condition may be seen in our Specialist Valve Sonographer Clinic.

During this appointment, you will have an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound scan) and a brief clinical assessment. The results of your scan will be explained to you during the appointment, and arrangements for future follow-up will be discussed.

These appointments usually last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your condition.

Other Specialist Services

Some patients may be referred to one of our other specialist services.

If you have been given an appointment with the Congenital and Children’s Cardiology Service or the Leeds TAVI Service, please visit the relevant service page for more information about what to expect.

Why have I been referred?

You may have been referred by your GP, a hospital consultant or another cardiologist.

The purpose of the appointment is to assess your heart valve condition, review any symptoms and decide whether further tests or treatment are needed.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes.

You are welcome to bring a family member, friend or carer to your appointment. Many patients find it helpful to have someone with them when discussing their condition and treatment options.

What should I bring?

Please bring:

A list of your current medications
Any questions you would like to ask
Glasses or hearing aids if you use them

You can eat and drink normally unless told otherwise.

What tests might I need? (link to other page explaining tests)

Common tests include:

ECG (heart tracing)
Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
Blood tests

Some patients may also need:

MRI scan
CT scan
Exercise testing
Heart rhythm monitoring
Coronary angiography
Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE)

Your specialist will explain any tests that are recommended and why they are needed.

How often will I be seen?

This depends on the type and severity of your valve condition.

Some patients are reviewed every few years, while others require more frequent follow-up.

Your specialist will recommend a follow-up plan that is appropriate for your condition.

What happens after my appointment?

Following your appointment, you will receive a clinic letter summarising the discussion, test results and follow-up plan.

If further tests are required, appointments will be arranged separately.

When will I receive my test results?

Whenever possible, we will discuss the results of your tests with you on the day of your appointment.

If you have had tests before your clinic visit, we will review and explain the results during your consultation.

If further tests are needed after your appointment, we will let you know how and when you will receive the results. This may be by letter, during a telephone consultation, or at your next clinic appointment.

What if I do not want regular follow-up appointments?

Some patients may be suitable for Patient Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU).

This means that we would not arrange routine appointments, but you would be able to contact us directly if you develop symptoms or have concerns about your condition.

PIFU is not suitable for everyone. If you have more significant or complex valve disease, we may recommend regular follow-up appointments to ensure any changes are identified at an early stage.

Your heart valve specialist will discuss the most appropriate follow-up arrangements with you.

What happens if my appointment is delayed?

We regularly review our waiting lists to ensure patients are seen as close as possible to their planned follow-up date.

Occasionally, appointments may be delayed by a few weeks or months due to service pressures. If you have any concerns about a delayed appointment, or if your symptoms change while you are waiting to be seen, please contact us for advice.

Doctor and Nurse Clinics: 0113 3926642

What if I cannot travel to Leeds General Infirmary?

Our specialist valve clinics are currently based at Leeds General Infirmary, allowing us to provide expert assessment and testing in one location.

If travelling to Leeds is difficult, please contact us. In some circumstances, we may be able to arrange certain tests closer to home and review the results with you by telephone or virtual consultation.

What if I need an interpreter?

If you need an interpreter, please let us know before your appointment if possible.

We have access to professional interpreting services and can arrange support to help you communicate with your healthcare team during your clinic visit and any tests you may have.

What if I need hospital transport?

If you think you may be eligible for NHS patient transport, please contact your GP practice before your appointment.

If you have concerns about travelling to your appointment, please contact us and we will do our best to advise you on the options available.