Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a consultation last?
We set aside 1 hour for the consultation. 50 minutes is for the consultation itself together and 10 minutes are for Dr Sharma to write up a summary and plan for you, add it to the app for you to access and to order any tests you need.
Are all consultations online?
The Stroke-Proof consultations are primarily online, however, if you prefer face-to-face you can book an appointment at my private practice clinic in Liverpool. Get in touch on the link below to discuss further.
What sort of things will be covered in my consultation?
The aim is for you to leave with a comprehensive plan to slash your risk of stroke and dementia.
The most important thing we'll do is talk about you, your priorities and your lifestyle.
We'll talk about your medical and family history.
We'll discuss all of the top risk factors for stroke and dementia and aim to get a better understanding of where your risk is right now and what we can do to reduce it - whether that be through lifestyle change (always the preferred option where possible) or medications where needed.
If there is a need for additional tests, or if you already have test results available that you can share we'll look at these together.
At the end we'll summarise your Stroke-Proof plan and you will get a copy of your plan available in an app, a PDF or if you prefer posted out to you in paper form.
What tests do you often recommend and how much do they cost?
Everyone should know their blood pressure and we recommend everyone gets this checked before their appointment.
We also ask you to have measured your height, weight and waist circumference. We'll send you full details of how to do this before your appointment.
These can all be done at home or at a local pharmacy for free.
We recommend that everyone gets their Cholesterol (HDL and LDL as a minimum) and HBa1c (diabetes test) checked - you can usually do this at your GP practice for free and check your results on the NHS app, or we can arrange to test it for you.
Do you offer other tests?
I will often recommend other tests but we try to avoid unnecessary or costly tests and tailor what we recommend to your budget.
Additional tests could include (prices are approximate and will vary according to where your nearest test provider is:
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ApoB and LP(a) measurements - These are more accurate and detailed measures of your Cholesterol (cost approx. £50)
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Kidney function and Liver function tests - Kidney failure can increase stroke risk and liver tests can be impacted by some stroke prevention medications (cost approx. £50 or included with cholesterol tests)
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Blood pressure monitoring - This is where a monitor is worn for 24 hours to give us a more accurate measure of your blood pressure (approx. £220)
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Cardiac monitor - This is a heart monitor to screen for irregular heart beats which can make you more prone to stroke (approx. £220)
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Echocardiogram - This is a heart scan to look for abnormalities in your heart that can make stroke more common (approx. £220)
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MRI brain scan - This can help us to screen for conditions like amyloid angiopathy and small vessel disease that can indicate an increased future stroke risk (approx. £350)
If you have further testing after your first consultation we will ideally arrange a follow up consultation to discuss results and your overall plan in detail, but you also have the option to book a free 10 minute phone call just to discuss your results.
Is this a one off consultation or do I need to come back to you?
Everyone is different.
Many people will be happy with one consultation that helps you to understand and manage stroke risk in detail.
Others will benefit from follow up appointments every 3-6 months to keep you on track and adjust your plan as you go along.
If you do want follow up appointments we can offer 30 minute appointments at half of the usual price for a 1 hour slot.
In the future we also plan to offer more frequent telephone or text check ins to keep you on track and accountable to your stroke risk reduction plan.
If you arrange any follow on tests after your initial appointment you will get a free approx. 10 minute phone call to discuss your results.
How much does a consultation cost?
A 1 hour consultation (50 minutes discussion and 10 minutes to write up your notes) will normally be £250. As an introductory offer for January 2026 we are offering this for £200.
I already have a GP/Private Doctor. Why do I need this?
GPs are fantastic generalists. I am a specialists focused purely on stroke and dementia risk using data that is often overlooked or under treated in standard check-ups.
How does the money back guarantee work?
I want everyone to be completely happy with the service they get from me.
If you aren't satisfied that I have helped you to better understand and reduce your risk of stroke and dementia then just get in touch and I will refund you 100% of your consultation cost. No quibbles or issues.