Atrial fibrillation: What are the warning signs?

By Dr Marco Spartera
Cardiology

Dr Marco Spartera is an NHS consultant cardiologist with expertise in a diverse range of cardiovascular conditions. Oxford Cardiovascular Health Ltd (OCH) is a private clinic led by Dr Spartera which provides cardiology services in Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, and the Cotswolds. As per its name, OCH mission is not only to deliver evidence-based management of specific cardiology symptoms but to delve into their root cause of disease in order to maintain the best cardiovascular health possible.

Dr Spartera’s knowledge and dedication to his field have consistently positioned him as an emerging leading figure in the diagnosis and management of a wide array of cardiovascular conditions including chest pain, shortness of breath, dizzy spells, palpitations and atrial fibrillation, angina, valve disease, and post-stroke cardiac disease. Dr Spartera is hyper-specialised in non-invasive cardiac imaging with a particular focus on cardiovascular MRI, cardiac CT, and advanced echocardiography (trans-oesophageal echocardiography, bubble echocardiography, contrast echocardiography, 3D echocardiography, and stress echo); he resorts to different modalities to tease out the root causes of symptoms and to finalise diagnoses.

Dr Spartera routinely sees challenging cases in the acute cardiac unit or in outpatient clinics presenting an intricate mix of symptoms where a unifying cause is not apparent even after multiple medical reviews. His diagnostic skillset allows him to navigate complex cases with confidence and to eventually deliver accurate and timely assessments. He is committed to always deliver a clear cardiology plan in a compassionate and holistic fashion whilst tailoring decisions to each person’s needs and values.

Dr Spartera's academic achievements are a testament to his commitment to excellence in the medical field. He earned his doctorate D.Phil. (PhD) from the University of Oxford where he discovered a new abnormality of the heart flow (i.e. reduced left atrial vorticity) which may be a novel mechanism of cardiac embolism and heart failure. His academic journey continues at the University of Oxford where he leads 4D Flow research to assess the potential of abnormalities of the cardiac flow as biomarkers of cardiac embolism and heart failure. He is also an investigator in the LOSE-AF trial, which is a randomised controlled trial, working to investigate whether weight loss can improve the outcomes of atrial fibrillation in older overweight/obese patients with atrial fibrillation. His work on this investigation showcases his drive to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and enhance patient care.

Overall assessment of their patients