High risk atherosclerosis and cardio immune clinic
Visitor Information
Translation help:
To translate this page into your preferred language, click the Google Translate icon in the top-right menu and select your desired language.
Our high risk atherosclerosis patient and cardio-immune clinic is dedicated to patients who have suffered major adverse cardiovascular events at a young age (less than 45 years old) or have suffered repeated events in spite of having their cardiovascular risk factors managed, including their lipid profile. We also see patients who have accelerated atherosclerosis and disease progression despite optimal medical therapy and risk factor management.
The team will risk stratify patients using state-of-the-art techniques, bespoke biomarkers and imaging technologies that study plaque characteristics. This clinic will be offering new treatments for high risk coronary artery disease both within clinical trials and ones approved by NICE and national society recommendations.
Conditions and treatments
Our cardio-immune clinic offers treatments for:
- accelerated coronary artery disease
- accelerated non-coronary atherosclerosis
- early heart attacks
- complex coronary disease
- aggressive cardiovascular risk factors
- novel therapies targeting the immune system in cardiovascular disease
This tertiary centre clinic is one of very few in the United Kingdom that focuses on the immune system and its role in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. It offers a novel, multidisciplinary approach utilising the latest imaging and biomarker technologies to managing accelerated coronary artery disease and risk.
Research is a major part of the clinic given the pioneering approach the clinic has in investigating and managing our high-risk patient population. As a clinical senior lecturer, one of the group’s main research interests is on unravelling the mechanisms by which the immune system can affect the process of atherosclerosis.
The lead consultant Dr Ramzi Khamis is clinical senior lecturer in cardiology and an interventional cardiologist at the National Heart and Lung Institute with an interest in advanced techniques for treating coronary artery disease. The multidisciplinary team includes Dr Taryn Youngstein, a rheumatologist with an interest in immune modulation and Dr Neil Chapman, a highly acclaimed clinical pharmacologist and risk expert.
The clinic leads on new clinical trials and will offer the latest NICE and national society-approved tests and therapies for patients. These can be discussed further in the clinic.
Meet the team
Dr Ramzi Khamis, lead consultant
Dr Taryn Youngstein
Dr Neil Chapman
Patient information
About your appointment
The date and time of your appointment will be sent to you via a letter in the post. If there is any doubt that the letter will not arrive in good time you will be contacted by phone.
You are welcome to bring a family member, friend, guardian or carer with you to the appointment. If English is not your first language or you may need help with translation, then please do bring a relative or friend who is able understand English well in order to retain information and help organise your visit.
You are welcome to ask for a chaperone and we will endeavour to provide one for you.
Please wear flat, fully covered shoes or trainers for your appointment as you may be asked to perform a treadmill test, if you are able to do so.
Before attending for any test you are able to eat and drink as normal. You may want to bring a snack if you are going to be at the clinic for a while. There is drinking water available.
It is very important to bring all your medications to your appointment. Please remember to check your appointment letter for anything specific you may have been asked to bring with you. In addition, it would be helpful if you could bring the following:
- your full address and phone number
- appointment card and appointment letter
- your GP's name and address
- a list of questions you may want to ask your consultant
At your appointment
Upon arrival please visit the main reception. We will make every effort to ensure you are seen on time but sometimes a delay is unavoidable. Our team will ensure you are kept up to date about any delays.
The majority of patients can expect to be at the clinic for less than an hour. If you are attending some clinics for specific conditions you may need to have a number of tests performed on the same day as your consultation which may result in an attendance of up to three hours.
You will see a consultant or one of their team at your appointment. They will discuss the results of any tests you may have had as well as their findings and recommendations. You may be referred for further tests or your condition will be further managed in the community. The doctor will discuss next steps with you.
Please note that we are a teaching hospital, so medical students may be present for some appointments. If you do not wish to have them in the room, please let the nurse or doctor know and the students will be asked to step outside.
After your appointment
Following your appointment, the doctor will make a diagnosis and will send recommendations and advice to your GP in a letter. You will receive a copy of this letter.
Refer to this service
GPs
Please use NHS e-Referrals to refer a patient to this service.
Please refer if you are concerned about patients that have:
- suffered a major adverse cardiovascular event at less than 45 years old
- had repeated events despite having their cardiovascular risk factors managed
- evidence of accelerated atherosclerosis despite optimal medical therapy and risk factor management
We ask that when you refer patients to us, you include a standard referral letter along with any relevant results:
- blood tests
- ECG or Holter monitoring
- echocardiography
- radiological imaging
Additional information
Education
The cardio-immune clinic offers elective placements. Please contact the relevant consultant for more information.
Further online resources