Professor Luke Howard

Professor Luke Howard is a Consultant Pulmonologist specialising in diseases of the pulmonary circulation, particularly pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary embolism. He also has specialist expertise in investigating unexplained breathlessness and exercise intolerance, helping patients whose symptoms may arise from complex interactions between the heart, lungs and circulation. Alongside his clinical practice, he is Professor of Practice in Cardiopulmonary Medicine at Imperial College London, where his academic and research work focuses on cardiopulmonary physiology, exercise testing and advances in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary vascular disease.

Professor Howard's academic training began at the University of Oxford, where he studied Physiological Sciences before completing a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Altitude Physiology. This early research training established a strong foundation in human physiology and the study of physiological responses to challenging environmental conditions.

He subsequently undertook his clinical medical education at the University of Cambridge, qualifying with the MB BChir degree in 1996. Following his medical qualification, he completed postgraduate medical and specialist respiratory training in London and Cambridge, developing expertise in pulmonary vascular disease and advanced cardiopulmonary assessment.

Professor Howard has contributed to the respiratory and pulmonary vascular literature, with publications appearing in specialist journals including Thorax, the European Respiratory Journal, Chest and The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, among others. Beyond individual research studies, he has participated in national and international committees and guideline groups concerned with pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, oxygen therapy and air travel. This work connects clinical evidence with the development of professional guidance and standards of care.

His research and professional collaborations contribute to the wider clinical and academic community working to improve understanding of pulmonary vascular disorders and the assessment of patients with complex respiratory symptoms.

Alongside his academic work, Professor Howard provides specialist assessment for adults with pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, unexplained breathlessness and exercise intolerance. His particular interest in cardiopulmonary physiology supports the investigation of patients whose symptoms may require detailed physiological assessment or collaboration across medical specialties. He also consults with athletes and maintains links with GB Rowing, reflecting his interest in exercise performance and the clinical interpretation of cardiopulmonary function. Professor Howard’s specialist approach centres on understanding the physiological causes of a patient’s symptoms and limitations. By combining detailed clinical assessment with appropriate cardiopulmonary investigations, he works to clarify diagnoses and inform individualised management plans. His expertise is particularly relevant to patients with complex pulmonary vascular conditions or persistent breathlessness that requires further specialist evaluation.