Dr Ali Khavandi

Dr Ali Khavandi is a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at the Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Foundation Trust. He specialises in complex angioplasty and advanced rhythm device implantation. He is part of the Consultant team providing 24/7 emergency treatments for the regional heart attack service at the Bristol Heart Institute.

Additionally, he implants complex pacemakers and defibrillators, which gives him a broad overview of both 'plumbing' and 'electrical' heart and circulatory problems.

He has a special interest in minimising pacemaker scars and the role of diet in cardiovascular conditions. This has led to appearances in the media and 'super rehab' research with Bath University. He is in frequent demand as a speaker on the subject.

General Cardiology

In his role as editor of the UK and European Core Cardiology textbooks, Ali remains fully up-to-date on the latest general cardiology evidence and guidelines. As such he provides a modern and efficient approach to the assessment of a broad range of cardiovascular symptoms and conditions including:

• Chest pain and arterial disease
• Palpitations, arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation
• Loss of consciousness (syncope) or near blackouts (presyncope)
• Structural conditions (murmurs, heart muscle and valvular problems)
• Risk factors such as weight management, high blood pressure, cholesterol and family history

Specialised Cardiology

Ali has rare dual subspecialty training. This provides additional insight across a spectrum of cardiac conditions and treatments which are often linked.

Coronary angioplasty

He is a contemporary, complex angioplasty operator who performs the majority of procedures via the radial artery (statistically the safest option). He has the expertise and access to the full spectrum of modern techniques and adjuncts including rotational atherectomy, intravascular imaging, chronic total occlusion treatment and Laser-assisted angioplasty (Laser unique to the region).

Complex rhythm device implantation

Ali has introduced this new service to Bath, which consists of resynchronization pacemakers for heart failure and implantable defibrillators. He implanted the first new generation ‘leadless’ defibrillator in Swindon and has a specialist interest in surgical techniques which improve outcomes, hide devices and minimise scars.

Personalised managment of high cholesterol

A balanced approach in the cholesterol ‘expert’ civil war.

There is currently a huge amount of confusion in the public space around high cholesterol and its effects on cardiovascular health. In fact, if we are honest, there is a ‘civil war’ between so-called cholesterol experts with exaggerated agendas from both in the media and online which is difficult for the public to decipher. Which perspective should we believe? Ali provides a hollistic approach which does not focus initially on medications but considers personalised risk assessment and dietary elements.