Patient returns to an active lifestyle following heart treatment at Spire Bristol Hospital

• Heart treatment at Spire Bristol Hospital helps Christopher Willey return to an active lifestyle 

At Spire Bristol Hospital, we are proud to offer a comprehensive Cardiology service, giving patients with heart conditions quicker and more accurate diagnosis and treatment options that are less invasive, aiding in faster recovery. 

Practicing Property Consultant Christopher Willey received his first treatment from Spire Bristol Hospital in November 2021 for Atrial Fibralation (AF). AF is a heart rhythm problem causing an irregular heartbeat. Dr Palash Barman performed an ablation procedure that restored his normal heart rhythm.

Three years later, Chris visited Dr Barman again at Spire Bristol Hospital and it was confirmed that the arrythmia had returned. This time, Chris was also diagnosed with angina. Chris recalls, “Suffering from these health conditions seriously affected my wellbeing and quality of life. Long walks and gym visits were curtailed, and I was always tired, struggling to keep up with my wife.”

Shortly after the referral, Chris received life-saving surgery on the NHS to have a stent fitted, treating a significant blockage in his right coronary artery. “I now understand the blockage was life threatening”, comments Chris. In June 2025, after recovering from the procedure to treat the underlying angina, Chris went ahead with treatment from Doctor Barman - a second successful ablation procedure. 

Chris is back to doing what he loves, frequenting the Exmoor countryside for long ambling walks and regular visits to the gym. Reflecting on the last years, Chris has expressed his gratitude to Dr Barman and Spire’s colleagues. “Many thanks to all concerned, I could not be more grateful! Everything worked like clockwork. Every day is a gift.” 

Christopher Willey has returned to regular exercise following heart treatment at Spire Bristol Hospital

Heart and circulatory diseases remain one of the leading health challenges in the UK. According to the British Heart Foundation, an estimated 7.6 million people across the country are currently living with a heart or blood circulatory condition. Alarmingly, around 390 people in England will lose their lives to cardiovascular disease today alone. This serves as a powerful reminder for all of us to take proactive steps to look after ourselves better. Simple lifestyle changes—such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing alcohol consumption—can significantly lower the risk of heart-related issues in the future.

Spire Bristol Hospital boasts a state of the art cardiac catheter laboratory¹ (“cath lab”) expanding treatment options available to NHS and private patients with complex heart conditions. Our dedicated cardiology specialists can carry out procedures such as ablation of arrhythmia; transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI); cardiac catheterisation; and pacemaker implantation.

Click here to find out more about Spire Bristol Hospital’s healthcare services.