Heart attack survivor’s story highlights failings in cardiac care, says Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland 11 November 2025 More than 20,000 people across Scotland are currently waiting to see a cardiologist. Almost 4,000 people are now on Scotland’s inpatient cardiac waiting list. The highest we have seen since 2012. 42% of those patients have been waiting more than 12 weeks for life-saving heart procedures, as cardiac inpatient waiting lists surge by 17% in a year. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland calls for urgent action as cardiac care crisis deepens. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) has raised urgent concerns about cardiac care in Scotland following the release of a national report. The charity has highlighted the “significantly increasing” waiting list for cardiac procedures such as stents and angioplasty, growing delays in treatment, and stark regional disparities in service availability. The findings are detailed in Public Health Scotland’s Scottish Cardiac Audit Programme 2025, published today (Tuesday 11 November). More than 20,000 people across Scotland are waiting to see a cardiologist. This is most likely for an initial consultation following a GP referral. For inpatient cardiac procedures, including Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), waiting times remain unacceptably high, with 3,947 patients on the list in June 2025 and over 42% (1,663) waiting more than the standard 12 weeks for treatment. The inpatient cardiac waiting list has grown by more than 17% in just 12 months. While CHSS welcomes last week’s announcement from the First Minister, we believe it falls far short of what’s needed. Urgent Action Needed Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said: “The figures published today outline some clear concerns that the Scottish Government must heed. “With waiting times and waiting lists for potentially life-saving cardiac procedures rising higher and higher, we need urgent action from the Scottish Government to get on top of this issue. “Long waiting times can be extremely stressful for people awaiting vital treatment – and delays can have critical consequences. That stress and anxiety are felt by loved ones too. It’s unacceptable to have people put their lives on hold for so long. “Rehabilitation is just as crucial. With the right support, in the right place, at the right time, we can reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and help people live their lives to the full. “Angela’s story is one of many we hear. She’s living with no clear diagnosis, no medical plan, and no support for her condition, apart from the peer group she attends through CHSS, which she says has been vital for her mental and physical health. “Beyond the physical impact, these delays bring emotional and psychological challenges. People are left waiting for long periods without communication, and even after a health event, there’s often no clear plan for support. Once again, the Third Sector is stepping in to fill the gap. “While we welcome the First Minister’s recent announcement on tackling waiting lists, it doesn’t go far enough. Without targeted investment in cardiac care and support across all health boards, we risk leaving thousands of people behind.” Angela’s Story Angela Gordon, from Dumfries, was given an urgent appointment last July after feeling unwell for several weeks. While she waited for that appointment she had a heart attack in December. After having stents fitted she was told she would have a follow-up appointment but, nearly a year on from her heart attack, she is still waiting to find out what damage has been done. Angela, 55, said: “I was having episodes daily for a couple of weeks and I had convinced myself it was indigestion. My GP ruled that out and put in an urgent referral to cardiology in July last year. In December I still hadn’t been seen by anyone, and I ended up having a heart attack.” Blue-lighted from Dumfries to East Kilbride’s Hairmyres Hospital, Angela was fitted with stents and, three days later, taken back to Dumfries before being allowed home the following day. Angela said: “I was given conflicting information about the number of stents I had been fitted with and just before I left, they sent me for an echocardiogram, and I got 5 minutes with the cardiologist. “They said I should have another scan in six months to determine the amount of damage that had been done to the muscle. When I got an appointment letter through in July of this year, I assumed that was the check-up, but it turned out that was my initial urgent appointment from the year before. The cardiologist didn’t know that I’d had a heart attack when I went in to see them. “So, I still I don’t know if there’s a heart problem, how much damage has been done, if it’s permanent or not or if I’m fine. I take my medication and try and forget it happened and that’s about all I can do. So, when people ask me what my heart condition is I honestly don’t know. “I waited a year for my urgent referral, and I should be dead. It was the lesser artery that was blocked but the major artery was 97% blocked. If that had blocked, I wouldn’t have made it to an ambulance and if I had to wait a year the chances are I’d be dead. So, the heart attack saved my life in a way. “Having to wait so long for answers just isn’t acceptable.” Angela has received support from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and has encouraged anyone else going through the same situation to reach out for advice. She said: “I went to CHSS’ website and signed up for the Women’s Health support group which I still go to every week because I find it absolutely vital for my heart and mental health, it’s a brilliant idea.” If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and are looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899. You can also text ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.