Dr Smitha Pulapalli
Consultant Cardiologist with special interest in Cardiac Imaging
MD (MBBS), MRCP (UK), BSE accredited (TOE & TTE), BSCI accredited (cardiac CT), EACVI certified (CMR)
"Very friendly and efficient staff to work with, the facilities at Spire are second to none. The atmosphere is so supportive with the entire team committed each patient's treatment."
Specialises in
I am a Consultant Cardiologist with a special interest in cardiac imaging. I am based at Maidstone and Tunbridge wells NHS Trust since 2013. I perform all types of cardiac imaging which includes cardiac MRI, cardiac CT (both CT coronary angiography and CT TAVI as part of assessment before aortic valve implantation), trans-thoracic echocardiography, transoesophageal echocardiograhy, stress echocardiography, complex contrast echocardiography, bubble echocardiography.
I am able to diagnose and manage heart disease and treat conditions such as angina, abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, valvular heart problems. I can help evaluate your risk from heart disease if it runs in your family and devise a plan to minimise your risk. The tests that I can perform and provide an expert opinion on include: ECG, Holter monitoring analysis, Trans-thoracic Echocardiography (2D and 3D), Exercise treadmill testing, Stress echocardiography (both exercise and Dobutamine), Cardiac CT coronary angiography which includes complex bypass graft assessment, Cardiac MRI which includes complex cardiomyopathy scans and Stress perfusion MRI, CT TAVI (in preparation to assessment for trans-aortic valvular implantation).
I have performed over 4,000 cardiac procedures so for in my field of interest. I care for over 2,000 patients per year with all types of general cardiological problems.
I also work as a cardiac MRI consultant in King's College London at Guys and St Thomas' Hospital, London.
I am accredited by British Society of Echocardiography in both trans-thoracic and trans-oesophageal echocardiography. I am certified by by European association of cardiovascular imaging in cardiac MRI and by British Society of Cardiovascular imaging in Cardiac CT.
I have played a pivotal role in the development of echocardiography department in Tunbridge Wells Hospital. I have a major contribution in modernising the department and in recent achievement of departmental accreditation from British Society of Echocardiography.
I am an educational supervisor for foundation trainees, mentor for cardiac physiologists and also an examiner for British society of echocardiography. I have done several audits which led to change in practice and improve the local echocardiography service.
Treatment information
Some of the principal treatments carried out by Dr Smitha Pulapalli at Spire include:
Cardiology
- Blood pressure test
- Cardiac CT scan (heart CT)
- Cardiac MRI
- Cholesterol level test
- CT scan
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging scan)
Other treatments
- Ambulatory ECG monitoring
- Bubble echocardiography
- Cardiac CT
- Cardiac MRI
- Contrast echocardiography
- CT TAVI
- Dobutamine stress echocardiography
- Exercise stress echocardiography
- Transoesophageal echocardiogram
- Transthoracic echocardiogram
Get in touch
Important information about Covid-19 tests
COVID-19 testing or antibody tests are not available as a standalone service at Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital.
Additional information
Clinical interests
Atrial fibrillation
Cardiac radiology
Coronary artery disease
Echocardiography
Hypertension
Interventional cardiology
Stroke prevention
Qualification and professional memberships
MD(MBBS), MRCP(UK), BSE accredited (TOE&TTE), BSCI accredited (cardiac CT), EACVI certified (CMR) / MD from Odessa state Medical University, MRCP from Royal college London / 2004
Doctor of Medicine (MD), Member of Royal college of Physicians (MRCP)
Accredited by British society of echocardiography in transoesophageal and transthoracic Echo (TOE&TTE)
Professional memberships
British Society of Echocardiography
European association of Cardiovascular imaging
British Society of Cardiovascular imaging
Professional leadership
Current NHS posts
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Hospital.
Kings college London at Guys and St Thomas' Hospital London.