Professor Paul Kalra

I graduated from Cambridge University and started as Consultant Cardiologist at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust in 2004. In 2019 I was appointed as Honorary Professor of Cardiology. The majority of my work involves assessment, investigation and management of patients with known or suspected cardiac (heart) problems. This includes patients with symptoms of breathlessness, palpitations and chest pain. While I have a broad interest in all aspects of general adult cardiology, my sub-specialty interest is the assessment and management of patients with heart failure (where the heart doesn't work efficiently as a pump).

I have championed local heart failure service development and co-developed the local complex device service, initiating implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronisation therapy device (CRT) implantation and follow up. I have extensive experience in assessment of patients for consideration of and the implantation of pacemakers and complex devices (CRT and ICD).

I was elected Chair of the British Society for Heart Failure (BSH) 2017-2019, having been on the board since 2009 (now past chair). This is the national body providing expert advice, support and education to NHS organizations and healthcare professionals. In 2019 the UK's largest heart failure patient charity, Pumping Marvellous Foundation, presented me with the Platinum patient educator award – recognising extraordinary work towards building awareness of heart failure and advocacy of better systems to improve care for patients.

I am committed to medical education and help organise regular national meetings for hospital doctors, GPs and specialist nurses. I actively contribute to education of cardiology trainees through roles within national (British Cardiovascular Society, BSH) and international (European Society for Cardiology) societies.

I have a major research interest and set up and lead the Portsmouth Cardiology research team. I am Chief Investigator (lead) for a large British Heart Foundation funded study evaluating the role of intravenous iron in patients with heart failure (IRONMAN – 75 UK centres), which has potential to shape international guidelines and clinical practice. I have over 100 peer review publications and edited a textbook ‘Specialist Training in Cardiology' which was Highly Commended in the BMA Medical Book Competition.

Diseases, Medical Tests and Treatments

Complex pacing devices: implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronisation therapy device (CRT) implantation and follow up.