Hypertension (high blood pressure) - Cardiologists - Cigna

The Cardiovascular PIT-STOP® clinic offers a comprehensive approach to assessing and reducing cardiovascular risk, beginning with primary intensive treatment for individuals who want to understand their likelihood of developing heart disease and take proactive steps to reduce it. It also provides the secondary treatment optimisation programme for people who have already experienced a heart attack, undergone stent implantation, or had bypass surgery, and who wish to minimise the chance of further events or progression of their condition. The PIT-STOP® Programme brings these two strands together to support long-term heart health through prevention and optimised care. By focusing on both those at high risk and those already living with cardiovascular disease, the programme aims to lower risk, prevent disease progression, and improve outcomes through personalised lifestyle guidance and carefully adjusted medical therapy. Healthy living remains the foundation of heart protection. A balanced diet low in saturated fat, salt, and processed foods, together with regular physical activity such as walking, swimming, or cycling, helps strengthen the heart and improve circulation. Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and the risk of diabetes, while avoiding smoking and keeping alcohol intake moderate can greatly enhance long-term cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing. In addition to lifestyle changes, several medications are proven to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Cholesterol-lowering treatments such as statins remain the cornerstone of therapy, with additional options including ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, and inclisiran for those who need further cholesterol reduction. Blood pressure–lowering and heart-protective medications, such as ACE inhibitors and related agents, help safeguard the cardiovascular system. Newer therapies used for diabetes and weight management, including GLP-1 receptor agonists like tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Wegovy), as well as SGLT-2 inhibitors, can improve both metabolic health and cardiovascular outcomes. Emerging treatments, such as low-dose colchicine for selected patient groups, are also being explored for their potential protective benefits. The Cardiovascular PIT-STOP® clinic is designed to identify the people most likely to benefit from this integrated approach, including those with early-onset heart disease, recurrent cardiac events, peripheral vascular disease, previous bypass surgery, or diabetes. The service combines thorough cardiovascular risk assessment, including clinical evaluation and state-of-the-art imaging where appropriate, with personalised optimisation of medication, tailored support for diet, weight management, and physical activity, and access to the latest evidence-based therapies. Its purpose is simple: to help every patient live well, stay healthy, and reduce their chances of future heart problems through a carefully coordinated blend of lifestyle support and advanced medical care.

The Hammersmith Hospital London is a major hospital situated in west London. It is run by Imperial College Healthcare and offers a wide range of services including the region's specialist heart attack centre, providing 24 hour emergency care for heart attack victims. The hospital also boasts a leukaemia wing and the West London Renal and Transplant Centre. The hospital is known globally for its world class research. The Hammersmith Hospital is also an important teaching hospital and formed part of the UK’s first academic health science centre. The Medical Research Council’s (MRC) presence is a further boon for the hospital's research department.

The Droitwich Spa Hospital, part of Circle Health Group, is a private hospital in Worcestershire, located within Droitwich Spa town centre. We see both insured and self pay patients and provide a multitude of specialist services including orthopaedics, general surgery, gynaecology, urology, pain management, cardiology and dermatology. To compliment these specialties we have a comprehensive imaging centre which includes MRI, CT, Xray and Ultrasound scanning facilities and an extensive physiotherapy department offering standard MSK physio, as well as specialist services such as hand therapy, women’s health, Shockwave therapy and an AlterG AntiGravity Treadmill. Our expert team of clinicians and hospital staff ensure that each patient’s treatment is tailored to their individual needs. The hospital opened back in 1988, and therefore has a wealth of experience in private healthcare. We can offer rapid access to appointment with specialist consultants and have a skilled mix of nurses, physiotherapists and radiographers offering our patients a professional and caring experience.