Professor Sanjay Sharma

Professor Sanjay Sharma
Cardiology
South London


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Professor Sanjay Sharma Cardiologist
London

BSc(Hons) MD FRCP(UK) FESC


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Professor Sanjay Sharma areas of expertise:

Professional statement

Professor Sanjay Sharma is a highly-reputable cardiologist based in London. He specialises in inherited cardiac diseases and cardiomyopathy and has a special interest in echocardiography and sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS). He also specialises in sports cardiology and serves as Chair of the Expert Cardiac Committee for the Football Association (FA) and as a cardiologist for the British Lawn Tennis Association and British Rugby League. He practises at St Georges Healthcare NHS Trust and other prominent clinics in the capital and is committed to research and training acting as Head of Research and as Professor of Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sports Cardiology for St George's University.


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 Credentials

GMC: 3558795

 Professional experience

• More than 30 years of experience
• Professor of Inherited Cardiac Diseases & Sports Cardiology, St George’s University, London (2010 - present)
• Head of Research for Cardiac Clinical and Academic Group, St Georges Healthcare NHS Trust, London (2015 - present)
• Consultant Cardiologist, Cardiac Risk in the Young (2001-present)
• Consultant Cardiologist, St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust, London (2010 - present)
• Medical Director for Virgin London Marathon (2004 - present)
• Medical Director for BUPA 10k London (present)
• Medical Director for Prudential Ride London (present)
• Medical Director for the International Triathlon World Championships, London (present)
• Cardiac Advisor for the English Institute of Sport, Guinness Premier Rugby Union, British Lawn Tennis Association, British Rugby League, Sky Cycling Squad and British Cricket (present)
• Cardiologist for Olympic Medical Institute (2001-present)
• Lead Cardiologist for London 2012 Olympics (2012)
• Consultant Cardiologist, King's College Hospital (2007-2010)
• Consultant Cardiologist, University Hospital Lewisham (2001-2007)

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 Sub-specialties

• Cardiology
• Sports cardiology
• Cardiomyopathy
• Ion channel diseases
• Inherited heart diseases

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 Positions in public associations

• Chair of Expert Cardiac Committee, the Football Association (FA) (present)
• Chair of the ESC Sports Cardiology Nucleus (present)
• Sub-Editor for Scandinavian Journal of Sports and Exercise Medicine (2012-present)
• Editor of British Cardiac Journal (2014)
• Canadian Journal of Cardiology (2016)
• International Journal of Cardiology (2016)

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 Teaching posts

• Honorary Senior Lecturer at King's College Hospital (2007-2010)
• Senior Tutor for RCP International Teaching Faculty for MRCP (II) Exam (2006-present)
• Senior Lecturer for RCP National Teaching MRCP (II) Written Course (2009-present)
• Lecturer for P year, T year and F year (2010-present)
• Internal Examiner for St George's Medical Schools Finals (2014-present)
• External Examiner for the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (2014-present)

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 Education

• MB ChB Leeds University (1983 - 1989)
• BSc (Hons) Biochemistry in Relation to Medicine (1986)
• MRCP (UK) (1991)
• MD with Distinction (2001)

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 Publications and conferences

• His current research programmes include the assessment of the impact of long-term ultra-endurance sport on the heart, ethnic differences in phenotypic manifestations in cardiomyopathy and ion channel diseases, right ventricular adaptation to exercise and sudden arrhythmic death syndrome.
• Self-Assessment Colour Review of Cardiology in colour. Rosen S, Sharma S, and Oakley C. M. (1997) Manson Publishing Limited, London
• Rapid Review of Clinical Medicine for MRCP Part 2 First Edition. Sharma S, and Kaushal R. (2000) Manson Publishing Limited, London
• MRCP Part II Examination Handbook Sharma S. (2000) Sandpiper Publishing, London
• Questions for the MRCP (II) in adult medicine (CD Rom). Rai GS, Sharma S. (2000) Harwood Publishing
• Patient Atlas in Cardiology. Sharma S, and Camm AJ. (2002) Mardeno Publishing
• Case Histories for the MRCP (II). Rai GS, Sharma S. (2003) Harwood Publishing
• Data Interpretation for the MRCP (II). Rai GS, Sharma S. (2003) Harwood Publishing
• Questions for the MRCP (I). Kaushal R, Trivedi R, Sharma S. (2004) Manson Publishing
• Rapid review of clinical Medicine for MRCP Part 2 Second Edition. Sharma S, Kaushal R (2006) Manson Publishing
• ECG interpretation for Sports Sciences. Whyte G, Sharma S. (2010) Human Kinetics Publishing
• Rapid Review of Clinical Medicine for MRCP Part 2 Fourth Edition. (2010) Sharma S, Kaushal R. Manson Publishing
• Clinical and Genetic Aspects of Sudden Cardiac Death in Sports Medicine (Colloquium Series on Genomic and Molecular Medicine). Millar L, Sheikh N, Sharma S. (2012) Morgan & Claypool Life Sciences
• IOC Manual of Sports Cardiology. Wilson M, Drezner J, Sharma S. (2016) Wiley Publication
• He has written over 20 medical education book chapters
• He has written over 50 peer-reviewed articles for medical journals
• He has written over 50 leading articles, commentaries, letters and case reports

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 Prizes and awards

• Frank Happold Prize in Biochemistry (1985)
• McGill Prize in Surgery (1989)
• BHF Junior Research Fellowship Award (1996)
• ESC Sports Sciences Young Investigator of the Year Finalist (1998)
• Wellcome People's Award for 'Silent Heart' project (2007)
• BCN National Awards (First Prize) 'Innovations in Arrhythmia Care' (2008)
• National Clinical Excellence Bronze Award (2010)
• Selection for the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition (2012)
• Asian Professional of the Year (Medical Category)
• National Clinical Excellence Silver Award (2014)
• ESC Vivianne Conraads Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement (2015)
• Excellence in Education Award (Most Inspiring Lecturer) St George's (2015)

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 Professional membership

• Member of the British Cardiac Society
• Member of the Royal Society of Medicine
• Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians
• Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology
• Member of the British Society of Echocardiography
• Member of the British Medical Association
• Member of European Society of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention

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Languages spoken

  • English
  • Gujarati
  • Hindi
  • Punjabi

Diseases, Medical Tests and Treatments

Dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects the heart and is characterized by weakening and dilation. This results in the heart being unable to p ...

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test based on the use of ultrasonic techniques in the chest area. The ultrasound reaches several structures of the h ...

Heart failure

Heart failure occurs when there is a blockage in the blood circulation. This blockage may be located within the heart muscle or outside, causing an in ...

Hereditary diseases

Hereditary diseases are the set of genetic diseases that are caused by changes in the genetic material (DNA) and transmitted from generation to genera ...

Sports cardiology

Sports cardiology is the set of tests that are performed to diagnose the diseases of the heart muscle that may pose a threat to the patient when practising any sport. Through a series of exercises, this analysis shows the tolerance and adaptation of the heart after intense physical activity. ...

Sudden death

Sudden death is a sudden but natural death. The main cause of sudden death is cardiac arrest.  It is estimated that 12% of natural deaths are sudden deaths. In patients with ischemic heart disease, sudden death is the most common form of death.  Popularly it is believed that there is a relationship between physical activity and sudden death. But the overall impact is small.  Some drugs, such as diuretics or antiarrhythmics, can cause arrhythmia and therefore sudden death. Drugs, especially cocaine, also can cause this unexpected death. ...

Atherosclerosis

What is atherosclerosis? Atherosclerosis is the most frequent disease of the arteries. It consists of the formation of plaque in the blood vessels through which oxygen and nutrients are transported. The plaque is a sticky substance formed by fat, cholesterol or calcium, which over time can harden and narrow the arteries causing a lack of blood flow to the tissues and organs. Often affecting the blood vessels near your heart, atherosclerosis can affect blood vessels anywhere in the body. What are the symptoms of atherosclerosis? In general, atherosclerosis does not show symptoms until an artery is reduced too much, or the blood flow in one part of the body slows down or gets blocked. As a result, people suffering from atherosclerosis often don’t realise until they have an emergency. Depending on which arteries are affected the following symptoms might be experienced: Arteries near your heart – chest pain Arteries near your brain – numbness in your limbs, slurred speech, drooping on one side of the face Arteries in your arms and legs – pain in the affected limb Arteries near your kidneys – high blood pressure and potentially kidney failure What causes atherosclerosis? The progression of atherosclerosis is slow and takes time to manifest. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is thought that damage to the artery can cause the build-up of plaque. Damage to arteries can be caused by: High cholesterol High blood pressure Smoking Inflammatory diseases (e.g. lupus, arthritis) High fat content in your blood If the venous wall is damaged, debris and blood cells build up at the injury site, and gradually this builds up, narrowing the diameter of the artery. Can atherosclerosis be prevented? It is possible to prevent atherosclerosis with the right lifestyle changes, including: A healthy diet (reduced consumption of fatty food) Stop smoking Reduce cholesterol Exercise regularly Maintain a healthy weight What is the treatment for atherosclerosis? The following medications can help to slow down the build-up of plaque in the arteries and potentially reverse it: Cholesterol medication which reduces the bad cholesterol levels in the blood (low-density lipoproteins, LDLs). Blood pressure medication to reduce high blood pressure (e.g. ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers). Blood-thinning medication such as aspirin. If medication does not prove effective and more aggressive treatment is needed, surgery might be recommended. Surgically installing a stent into an affected artery will keep the artery open and blood flowing through it. Fatty deposits can also be removed surgically (endarterectomy). Bypass surgery to bypass the damaged blood vessel might be necessary. ...

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm irregularity that causes the heart to beat fast or irregularly. It affects around 4% of people over the age of 65. The atria, the upper chambers of the heart that control the rhythm, don’t function as they should and cause the heart rate to speed up, often much higher than the usual regular heart rate of between 60 and 100 beats per minute.   Symptoms of atrial fibrillation   Atrial fibrillation can affect people occasionally, experiencing symptoms for a few minutes, before they cease, or they can be persistent where the symptoms don’t stop until there is medical intervention. The most common symptoms experienced are: Heart racing or beating irregularly, known as palpitations Feeling weak or lightheaded Dizziness Fatigue Shortness of breath Pain in the chest   Causes of atrial fibrillation   The cause of atrial fibrillation is not fully known, however it is believed that it may be triggered by smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. The heart’s muscles contract irregularly, and often don’t relax properly, which causes the rhythm to be affected. Atrial fibrillation is more common in people with existing cardiovascular problems, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and congenital heart disease. It can also be more common in people with long-term medical conditions such as asthma, COPD and diabetes.   Risks of atrial fibrillation   Atrial fibrillation carries some risks for the sufferer. Due to the irregularity of the heartbeat, blood can pool and clot within the heart. If the clot breaks away, it can travel around the blood system and cause blockages within the smaller blood vessels. This can lead to stroke in some cases, with atrial fibrillation being one of the main causes of strokes. Atrial fibrillation can also lead to heart failure, as the heart’s muscles may become weakened, especially if the condition is long-standing.   Treatment of atrial fibrillation   The condition is not life-threatening in the short term, but should be treated where possible to overcome the risks mentioned above. Treatment usually involves one or more of the following: Medication to control the irregular heart rhythm Blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) to reduce the chance of stroke. This acts to prevent the blood pooling and clotting in the heart’s chambers. Catheter ablation surgery which involves the placement of a catheter along the veins of the leg to the heart. The catheter is then heated to burn the section of the heart that is causing the irregular rhythms, effectively killing the source of the electrical signals that are causing the heartbeat. To make an appointment with a doctor specialising in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, click here. ...

Cholesterol

What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fatty substance known as a lipid, which is mainly made by the liver and can also be found in some foods. It is vital for the human body to function properly but if the levels of cholesterol are too high in the blood, it can result in heart disease and heart stroke among other problems. Cholesterol can increase with age and is only detected through a blood test. There is also something else that may need to be monitored if someone has high cholesterol, and that is triglycerides. Having a high level of triglycerides, a type of fat (lipid) in the blood, can also increase the risk of heart disease. Why is it important to lower cholesterol? Evidence shows that high cholesterol levels can increase the risk of having a heart attack, a stroke, a mini-stroke (known as transient ischaemic attack) or a peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Cholesterol can build up in the artery wall, which restricts the blood flow to the heart, brain and the rest of the body. It can also increase the risk of a blood clot in other parts of the body. The risk of developing coronary heart disease is also higher when the blood’s cholesterol level increases. What causes high cholesterol? There are many factors that increase the chances of having high cholesterol, which include: An unhealthy diet – especially eating high levels of saturated fat. Smoking Diabetes Hypertension (high blood pressure). A family history of stroke or heart disease. Even people who eat healthily can inherit a condition called familial hypercholesterolemia, which can cause high cholesterol. What should my cholesterol levels be? The levels of blood cholesterol is measured in millimoles per litre of blood (mmol/L.) Total cholesterol levels should be 5mmol/L or less for healthy adults or 4mmol/L or less for those who are at high risk. Low-density lipoprotein (LPL) levels should at 3mmol/L or less for healthy adults or 2mmol/L or less for those at high risk. How to lower cholesterol levels? To reduce the level of cholesterol, it is recommended to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, which is low in fatty foods. Regular exercise and quitting smoking are also recommended to lower the levels of cholesterol. If following these steps does not reduce the cholesterol levels, a doctor may prescribe medication such as Statins to help. Statins block the chemicals in the liver that help to make cholesterol, which leads to a reduction the blood cholesterol level. They are only prescribed to people who are at a high risk of heart disease and will need to be taken for life. Low cholesterol diet A balanced diet, low in saturated fats can reduce LDL (bad cholesterol). The following foods should be avoided or the intake reduced: Fatty meats and meat products Butter and lard Cream, sour cream and ice cream Cheese Cake and biscuits Chocolate Coconut oil  ...

Electrocardiogram

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of the heart to test for any kind of pathology. It also constitutes one of the most important tools to find out and evaluate most of the cardiac conditions. Also, electrocardiography provides an invaluable tool for the diagnosis of the growth of the heart chambers (atria and ventricles). In many cases, the diagnosis of congenital heart diseases comes from the characteristic ECG graphic. In fact, the ECG provides important data for the evaluation of more than 80% of heart diseases. ...

Fatty liver

Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a disease characterised by the accumulation of fatty acids and triglycerides in liver cells. ...

Heart murmur

Heart murmurs are sounds similar to the sound of the air of a torch. Heart murmurs are usually pathological, although in young children may be normal. You can listen to the heart using a stethoscope, which is placed at chest level. Heart murmurs are always indicative that there is increased blood flow to heart level, either by an alteration of a heart valve or a non-cardiac cause. It is important to take note of all the characteristics of the heart murmur, such as the intensity, timing, location, shape, radiation, quality and pitch, as they offer a lot of information regarding the pathology that causes it. ...

Hypercholesterolemia

Hypercholesterolemia is the presence of cholesterol above the normal levels in the blood. This increase is often associated with coronary problems, diet, sex, lifestyle and endogenous synthesis. Therefore, the concentration of cholesterol in the blood involves hereditary and dietary factors, along with other factors related to physical activity. There are two types of hypercholesterolemia. Primary hypercholesterolemia, derived from problems in the cholesterol transfer systems and genetic factors, and secondary hypercholesterolemia, in which the increase in cholesterol is associated with certain liver, endocrine and renal diseases. ...

Hypertension

Hypertension is the temporary, intermittent or permanent increase in blood pressure. High blood pressure goes above the considered normal values, which are around 160/95mmH, according to the World Health Organisation. Most of the times there are no symptoms at all. However, when there are, they include severe headaches and/or light-headedness. Arterial hypertension (HT) is associated with morbid obesity and its mortality rate is one of the most serious public health concerns in developed countries. To treat hypertension it is imperative to have a balanced, low-fat diet and to take some medication. This often prevents complications that can result from poorly controlled hypertension, such as complications that can affect the heart, eyes and kidneys. ...

Myocarditis

Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle. It is a rare disease and can be caused by several factors: infections, allergic reactions, diseases with an immunological cause, etc. In some patients there are no symptoms, but in the majority of cases this disease manifests through chest pain, fatigue, fever, joint pain, or respiratory distress, among other symptoms. A series of tests (a general analysis, a heart ultrasound and an electrocardiogram) are required for diagnosis. Treatment aims to eradicate the cause of the inflammation of the heart muscle through the prescription of antibiotics or anti-inflammatories, and the recommendation of a low-salt diet, or a decrease in physical activity. In many cases, recovery with appropriate treatment can lead to the patient’s complete cure, avoiding major complications such as heart failure. ...

Palpitations

Palpitations are heartbeats of sudden onset, usually rapid and uncomfortable. Normally the cardiac variations are only perceived in a situation of stress, strong emotion or after performing a major physical exercise. But heart palpitations can occur in certain pathological states in which the heart rate increases in intensity and frequency, as in the case of tachycardia, which may be a symptom of cardiac or non-cardiac disease, such as serious anaemia, increased thyroid function, liver disease, or other conditions. Palpitations may also appear after the ingestion of alcohol, tea, coffee and other stimulants. ...

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac that surrounds the heart. It may be caused by an infection, or appear without apparent cause or after a general infection like pneumonia, tuberculosis. All symptoms are cardio-circulatory, from dyspnoea heart failure to oppression or symptoms of decompensation. It clinically manifests with choking and intense stabbing chest pain. In many cases, it is a benign condition and the symptoms presented by the patient can be treated, but in exceptional cases, surgical treatment may be necessary. Pericarditis can have very similar symptoms as a cardiomyopathy but it is important to differentiate them since the treatment is completely different. ...

Preventive cardiology

Preventive cardiology is the set of measures that tend to protect the person from the possibility of suffering a particular medical condition. The high incidence and high mortality due to ischaemic heart disease have made society aware of prevention, the importance to raise awareness and awareness campaigns, with the aim of trying to avoid and combat the so-called risk factors: obesity, tobacco, hypertension, sedentary life and hypercholesterolaemia. This type of action prior to the onset of the disease is called primary prevention, while the secondary prevention uses certain medical or even surgical guidelines, such as bypass surgery, to improve quality and survival rates. ...

Syncope

Syncope, lipothymy or fainting are practically synonymous and are defined as loss of consciousness. In lipothymy, patients are aware that they are becoming weaker and that at any moment their body can collapse and lose consciousness. In the case of syncope, the patient suddenly loses consciousness without previous symptoms. The causes of syncope can be very diverse, from cardiovascular such as arrhythmias or cardiac conditions, to neurovascular, such as migraines and pharmacological or metabolic causes. Its treatment consists of keeping the patient with the legs elevated and the head lowered in a well-ventilated place and without too many people around. Secondly, if this is not enough, the primary cause of the patient's lymphocyte must be treated. As for treatment, there is no drug that prevents fainting. ...

Thoracic pain

Thoracic pain occurs in the front of the chest and can be a symptom of many conditions: heart disease, such as acute myocardial infarction, coronary insufficiency, or pericarditis; respiratory infections such as influenza, pneumonia; nervous disorders, such as anxiety attacks; or osteoarticular and muscular illnesses. However, the patient must bear in mind that, despite the sensation of severe chest pain, many times the causes are not dangerous to the health of the individual. Since the cause of chest pain can be multiple, to avoid any setbacks, it is essential to consult the specialist promptly to receive immediate treatment, if necessary. ...

Tilt table

The tilt table test is used to find the cause for spells of fainting. To perform the test, the patient must be attached by the arms and feet on a special reclining table, and an intravenous catheter will be inserted into one arm while blood pressure is monitored through the other. In addition, to analyse the heart rate, a set of electrodes connected to an electrocardiograph obtains constant electrocardiograms during the test. The individual will see their heart rate altered to such an extent that they will eventually lose consciousness, just as in a fainting fit. This way, the detailed results of the test let the professional set pharmacological treatment to prevent the patient from suffering any more fainting. ...

Venous insufficiency

What is venous insufficiency? Veins in your legs have to carry blood back to the heart, and they can do this because the veins have one-way valves the stop the blood from flowing backwards with gravity. However, if you suffer from venous insufficiency these valves do not function properly and some of the blood remains in your legs which causes the blood to collect in the veins. This can result in pain and swelling, and sometimes leads to ulcers forming on the legs. What are the symptoms of venous insufficiency? The symptoms of venous insufficiency are: Itching and tingling Swelling Intense pain (which gets worse when stood upright or when someone is stationary) Heaviness or cramping in the legs In addition, there are also changes in the skin such as irritated or dry areas if scratched. Thickening and hardening of the skin (it can sometimes look leathery). Varicose veins What causes venous insufficiency? Venous insufficiency is due to malfunctioning vein valves in the legs. These valves can be damaged by blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, DVT). If you do not exercise much you can be at risk from venous insufficiency. Other risk factors include: People over the age of 50 Family history of venous insufficiency or DVT Being obese Being pregnant People who sit or stand for long periods of time Can venous insufficiency be prevented? The best way to prevent venous insufficiency is to make certain lifestyle changes: Losing weight Exercising regularly Consuming less salt in your diet (this reduces your blood pressure) Wearing compression stockings to help the blood in your legs flow better (these are recommended if you have suffered from DVT or had venous trauma). How can venous insufficiency be treated? As well as the above lifestyle changes, there are also medical treatments that can be recommended, particularly if these non-surgical measures have not proved successful. The following treatments might be recommended: Sclerotherapy Ligation (faulty veins are cut and tied off so that blood no longer flows through it) Vein repair Vein bypass Vein transplant Endovenous thermal ablation (high-frequency radio waves or lasers are used to close the faulty veins) ...

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