Francisco Leyva-Leon

• Approximately 38 years in clinical practice.

• Current Role: Consultant Cardiologist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham

• Academic Role: Professor of Cardiology at Aston University Medical School

• Private Practice: Consults at Spire Little Aston Hospital, The Priory Hospital, and The Harborne Hospital in Birmingham

Professor Leyva-León has published over 400 research papers and abstracts and has delivered more than 300 lectures worldwide. His research interests include:

• Cardiac device therapy (cardiac resynchronisation therapy, pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators)

• Cardiomyopathies and heart failure

• Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (cardiac MRI)

He has been involved in several significant research initiatives, including leading the Midlands Sarcoidosis Service and the Palliative Heart Failure Service at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Additionally, he has been a clinical advisor to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on national guidelines for heart failure and cardiac device therapy

Professor Leyva-León was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for his contributions to cardiology. He has also received an ACCEA Bronze Award in 2021 for his internationally recognised expertise in heart failure and cardiac devices.

Dr.Francisco Leyva-Leon is a highly respected consultant cardiologist, currently practicing at The Harborne Hospital, with a distinguished career spanning over two decades.

Professor Leyva-Leon’s expertise covers a wide range of cardiac conditions, including heart failure, cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias, and general cardiology issues such as angina, heart attacks, hypertension, and high cholesterol. He is particularly well-versed in cardiac imaging techniques, offering advanced diagnostic services using echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and cardiac CT to ensure comprehensive patient care.

Professor Leyva-Leon earned his medical degree from the University of Manchester in 1987, followed by advanced cardiology training at prestigious institutions like the Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals.  A pioneer in the field of cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) for heart failure in the UK, Professor Leyva-Leon has also contributed significantly as the former President of the British Society of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.

His involvement with the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) includes advising on national guidelines for drug and cardiac device therapies in heart failure. In addition to his clinical work, Professor Leyva-Leon holds a professorship at Aston University Medical School, where he leads research in the areas of cardiac devices, imaging, electrophysiology, cardiomyopathies, and heart failure.