Dr Shahed Islam MBBS, BSc, MRCP, MD (Res), FHEA
Consultant Cardiologist
Dr Shahed Islam is a Consultant Cardiologist providing private consultations at Circle Reading Hospital, Spire Dunedin Hospital and Syon Clinic in Brentford. He specialises in the assessment and treatment of cardiovascular symptoms and conditions, supporting patients across Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, West London and the surrounding areas.
Patients commonly see him for symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness, fainting or for support in managing conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valve conditions and cardiomyopathy. He also offers cardiovascular assessment before planned non-cardiac surgery, helping patients understand any heart-related risks and prepare for their operation with confidence.
Dr Islam is committed to thorough, compassionate and patient-centred care. He takes time to listen, explain test results in clear language and discuss treatment options, so patients feel informed, reassured and involved in decisions about their care.
Training
Dr Islam obtained his primary medical qualification, MBBS with Merit, from Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’s School of Medicine in 2008, and was awarded Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP), London, in 2012.
He has 18 years of experience in clinical medicine and completed highly specialised cardiology training at leading UK centres, including Barts Heart Centre in London and the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre. His fellowships in coronary intervention and the management of impaired heart function support his approach to delivering safe, personalised care. He is also experienced in non-invasive cardiac imaging, including transthoracic echocardiography and CT coronary angiography, as well as implantation of permanent pacemaker systems.
Alongside his clinical practice, Dr Islam has a strong academic interest in cardiovascular medicine. He undertook two years of full-time clinical research, leading to the award of an MD (Res) in 2015, and has published in several peer-reviewed journals. His research interests include recovery after cardiac arrest and cardiac rehabilitation following critical illness, reflecting his focus on helping patients recover well and reduce future risk.At the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Dr Islam serves as Cardiac Rehabilitation Lead, supporting patients in their recovery after heart illness and helping them build confidence, improve function and reduce future cardiovascular risk. He also holds an honorary senior lecturer post at Brunel University, where he contributes to the education of future doctors.
Diagnostic Expertise
Dr Islam offers dedicated investigations and assessments to help patients understand what may be causing their symptoms, what the results mean and which treatment or follow-up options may be most appropriate. His areas of practice include ischaemic heart disease, impaired heart function, arrhythmia, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and cardiovascular assessment before non-cardiac surgery.
- Depending on a patient’s symptoms and clinical needs, investigations may include:
- 12-lead ECG (electrocardiogram)
- Holter monitors (ECG monitors): 24-hour, 72-hour and other extended periods
- Echocardiogram – ultrasound scan of the heart
- Cardiac stress tests: stress echocardiogram and exercise treadmill test
- Ambulatory 24-hour blood pressure monitoring
- CT coronary angiography – anatomical assessment of the coronary arteries
- Cardiac MRI for viability and ischaemia assessment
- Blood tests to investigate hyperlipidaemia and secondary causes of hypertension
Procedures
If a procedure is recommended, Dr Islam explains why it may help, what it involves, the expected benefits and the potential risks, so patients can make an informed decision with confidence. He performs the following procedures:
- Invasive coronary angiography to assess the heart arteries and any previous coronary artery bypass grafts, usually through an artery in the wrist or groin
- Invasive physiological assessment using pressure wire assessment (FFR and iFR) to help determine whether a narrowed heart artery is affecting blood flow
- Coronary imaging using advanced imaging technologies such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to examine the heart arteries in detail and optimise stents where needed
- Treatment of heavily calcified heart arteries using intravascular lithotripsy or rotational atherectomy
- Coronary angioplasty and stenting (PCI) to improve blood flow through narrowed heart arteries
- Treatment of completely blocked coronary arteries, known as chronic total occlusions
- Implantation of cardiac monitors for extended periods, including LINQ devices, to help investigate unexplained symptoms or rhythm problems
- Electrical cardioversion to help restore a normal heart rhythm where appropriate
- Implantation of permanent pacemakers for symptomatic slow heart rhythms, electrical heart blocks or significant pauses
What to expect during an appointment
Dr Islam offers consultations to self-paying and insured patients and is recognised by all the major insurers. A GP referral letter is not mandatory, although some insurance providers may require one for authorisation.
At the first consultation, Dr Islam will take time to understand your symptoms, how they affect your lifestyle and any modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. He will perform a thorough physical examination, discuss the likely diagnosis and agree a clear management plan, which may include further diagnostic testing, medication optimisation and time to ask questions.
Depending on your condition, a follow-up visit may be recommended to monitor progress, review investigation results and discuss treatment options. Dr Islam will also advise on practical steps to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events.
If you would like to make an appointment with Dr Islam, you can book directly through the Circle website or Spire website, where you can view his live calendar. You can also email his secretary, Mrs Sue Adams, at info@readingcardiology.life, or call, text or WhatsApp her on 07385 832442.
Testimonials
'Dr Islam is a very dedicated and skilled interventional cardiologist'.
'Dr Islam always puts patient care at the forefront of his management'.
'Shahed is a dedicated and well rounded cardiologist. He is experienced in all aspects of Cardiology'.