Coastal Cardiology

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Coastal Cardiology

Dr Chris Critoph Consultant Cardiologist based in Bournemouth, Dorset.

This page isn't monitored for medical advice — for symptoms, please contact your GP; call 999 in an emergency.

03/11/2026

National Stress Awareness Week.

We all experience stress from time to time, but did you know that it can also affect the way your heart feels and functions? When we're stressed, our bodies release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can cause our heart rate to increase.

For some people, this may lead to palpitations, a racing heartbeat or a feeling that their heart is skipping a beat. Although these symptoms can be associated with stress or anxiety, it's important not to assume that stress is always the cause.

Taking time to relax, enjoying regular gentle exercise, getting enough sleep and finding ways to manage daily pressures can all help support our physical and emotional wellbeing.

At Coastal Cardiology, Dr Critoph understands that experiencing changes in your heartbeat can be worrying. He takes a thoughtful, reassuring approach to understanding your symptoms and helping you feel informed and supported.

If you're experiencing persistent or recurring palpitations, seeking medical advice can help identify the cause and provide peace of mind.

🌐 www.coastalcardiology.co.uk

30/10/2026

Weight Management and Your Heart Health.

Managing your weight isn't always straightforward, and for many people, making lasting changes can be more difficult than it sounds.

Maintaining a healthy weight can play an important role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. At Coastal Cardiology, we understand that there is no single approach that works for everyone.

Our weight management service offers personalised, medically supervised support, taking into account your health, lifestyle and individual needs. This may include advice on nutrition, physical activity and sustainable lifestyle changes, alongside consideration of modern weight loss medications where clinically appropriate. The aim isn't simply to lose weight. It's to build healthier habits, improve long-term wellbeing and support your cardiovascular health for years to come.

With careful assessment, regular monitoring and ongoing guidance, Dr Critoph provides a supportive, evidence-based approach to helping patients make positive changes.

If you would like to explore your options, you can find out more about our weight management service here: https://www.coastalcardiology.co.uk/weight-loss/

21/10/2026

The proverb "prevention is better than cure", is often very true when it comes to dealing with cardiology issues.

The basics of tests can often uncover very minor issues, that if managed then and there, can prevent any further damage being caused.

That's not to say that I advise having tests unnecessarily, but if you have a history of heart disease in your family or have any niggling symptoms, it is better to get them checked sooner rather than later.

14/10/2026

When we think about exercise, we often think about fitness, weight or how we look.

But from a cardiologist’s perspective, one of the greatest reasons to get moving is what it can do for your heart. Regular physical activity helps strengthen the heart, improve circulation and support healthier blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Over time, staying active can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. And being active doesn’t have to mean running marathons or spending hours in the gym. Walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, gardening... it all counts. The best form of exercise is often simply the one you enjoy enough to keep doing.

So rather than worrying about how far, how fast or how hard you’re exercising, focus on finding ways to make movement a regular part of your life. A little more movement, done consistently, can make a real difference.

Your heart will thank you for it. ❤️

07/10/2026

Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the world’s number one killer, taking more than 20.5 million lives every year?

That figure isn’t designed to scare you, but it is a reminder of just how important it is to look after your heart. And looking after your heart doesn’t necessarily mean making huge changes overnight.

Small changes to what you eat and drink, how much you move and how you manage stress can all play a part in supporting better heart health.

This is a cause that understandably means a lot to me, so I’d love you to take just five minutes today to have a think about your own heart health.

28/09/2026

SEPTEMBER IS VASCULAR DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH

When we talk about cardiovascular health, it’s easy to focus solely on the heart. But the health of your blood vessels matters too.

Your arteries and veins form an extraordinary network, carrying blood around your body and delivering the oxygen and nutrients your organs and tissues need.

Vascular disease is the collective term for conditions affecting these arteries and veins, and it can have serious consequences, including peripheral arterial disease, aneurysms and problems with circulation.

The good news is that many of the risk factors for vascular disease are things we can identify and manage.

🚭 Don’t smoke
❤️ Know your blood pressure
🩸 Keep an eye on your cholesterol
🚶Stay physically active
🥗 Maintain a balanced diet and healthy weight
🩺 Manage conditions such as diabetes carefully

As a cardiologist, I regularly talk about looking after your heart, but looking after your cardiovascular health means thinking about the entire circulatory system.

This month, take the opportunity to think about your own risk factors and make those small, sustainable changes that can protect your heart and blood vessels for the future.

16/09/2026

Hormones aren't just about moods or metabolism, they play a direct role in how your heart functions.

Here's how:
1. Cortisol (Stress Hormone)
Chronic stress = chronically elevated cortisol Leads to high blood pressure, inflammation, and increased risk of heart attacks

2. Oestrogen
Before menopause, oestrogen offers a protective effect on the heart Post-menopause? That protection drops, and risk of heart disease rises sharply Oestrogen affects cholesterol levels, artery flexibility, and blood vessel health

3. Testosterone
Low testosterone in men may be linked to increased cardiovascular risk, but high levels can also raise blood clot risks Balance is key

4. Thyroid Hormones
Both hyperthyroidism (too much) and hypothyroidism (too little) can cause arrhythmias, heart palpitations, or heart failure over time

5. Insulin
Insulin resistance (linked to diabetes or PCOS) increases inflammation and arterial damage It’s a major driver of atherosclerosis and heart disease

If you’re experiencing hormonal changes - menopause, thyroid issues, PCOS, or high stress - your heart may be feeling it too. Regular checkups, blood work, and lifestyle adjustments can be lifesaving.

09/09/2026

Reducing your salt intake doesn't have to mean sacrificing flavour.

As a cardiologist, one of the simplest changes I recommend for supporting heart health is replacing salt with herbs and spices. Too much salt can contribute to high blood pressure, one of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

The good news? Your taste buds adapt surprisingly quickly. Instead of reaching for the salt shaker, try adding:

🌿 Rosemary & thyme with roast potatoes and chicken
🌿 Basil & oregano in pasta dishes and salads
🌿 Dill with fish and vegetables
🌿 Parsley & chives to eggs and potatoes
🌿 Mint with peas, lamb or yoghurt To boost flavour even further, combine herbs with garlic, onion, black pepper, smoked paprika, lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Most adults should aim for less than 6g of salt per day, but many people consume considerably more without realising it, often through processed and packaged foods.

Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference to your blood pressure and long-term heart health.

03/09/2026

Every patient and every case is different so when you come to see me at Coastal Cardiology, you will receive a personalised service just for you.

We will take the time to discuss your symptoms in detail, carry out all the necessary tests to reach a diagnosis, have a full consultation to discuss the results and make a clear and concise plan to move forward.

You are guaranteed a warm reception at the clinic, which is in a nice environment, and we are used to putting people at ease. You also get to see me at your convenience; just book an appointment to see me at a time that suits you.

I look forward to seeing you.

01/09/2026

A quick note about this page: thank you for reading and engaging with what I share here. As a doctor, I'm not able to review or respond to comments individually, and this page can't be used to ask about your own symptoms or get personal medical advice — that's both a practical limit and a professional one. If something feels concerning, please see your GP, or call 999 in a medical emergency. If you'd like to discuss your own health with me directly, you're welcome to book a consultation via the link in this page's About section.

Address

Nuffield Hospital Bournemouth 67 Lansdowne Road Bournemouth
Bournemouth
BH11RW

Website

https://www.coastalcardiology.co.uk/

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