About
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Dr Giovanni Luigi De Maria MD, PhD
Your heart health is my priority. I am a highly experienced Cardiologist specialised in comprehensive heart care. From routine checkups to complex interventions, I offer a personalised approach to manage your cardiovascular well-being.
My Current Role
I earned my MD in 2008 from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome, where I later completed a PhD in 2019. After Cardiology training at Gemelli Hospital, I specialised in Interventional Cardiology through a clinical fellowship at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Since 2019, I have been a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. I lead the Oxford Renal Denervation and Coronary Sinus Reducer Programmes. I also lead the Acute Cardiovascular sub-theme at the Oxford British Research Council and I oversee the Research Catheterisation Laboratory and the Invasive Imaging Theme of CoreLab at the University of Oxford’s AMIIC centre.
My Clinical Practice
I provide 360-degree heart healthcare, from prevention to check-ups via outpatient visits, either in person or remotely, according to patients' preferences.
My expertise includes managing chest pain and arterial hypertension, with full access to advanced diagnostics and tailored treatments.
For coronary artery disease, including microvascular angina, I offer minimally invasive procedures such as coronary stenting, angioplasty, and the coronary sinus reducer.
For resistant hypertension, I specialize in innovative therapies like renal denervation.
My ultimate goal is to provide seamless, effective, and personalized cardiovascular care.
My Passions
I have a strong passion for clinical research and a deep commitment to innovation, constantly seeking new ways to improve heart health. My dedication is reflected in my scientific production, with over 150 publications showcasing my drive for advancing cardiovascular care. Equally important to me is mentoring younger colleagues in my research team, helping them grow, develop their skills, and fulfill their potential. Supporting the next generation of researchers is one of my core values. Beyond work, I cherish time with my family, which keeps me grounded and inspired. I also have a deep love for music and enjoy playing the piano. Diving is another passion, allowing me to explore the underwater world and find balance outside my professional life. Patient care, research and mentorship define my career, while my family, music, and diving bring joy and perspective to my life.
My Memberships
Heart Conditions I Treat
Cardiac Prevention &
Heart-Health Checks
Primary Cardiac Prevention
I offer experienced advice for patients looking to maintain their heart health and prevent future cardiac issues. I provide personalised advice on achieving optimal primary cardiac prevention by focusing on lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, and stress management. Additionally, I assess individual risk factors and offer tailored strategies to reduce the likelihood of developing heart disease in the future.
Secondary Cardiac Prevention
I have extensive experience in providing long-term surveillance and follow-ups for patients with a history of heart conditions, ensuring prompt recovery and a smooth return to normal life. My focus is on reducing the risk of recurrence or complications by closely monitoring progress and adapting treatment plans as needed for optimal outcomes.
Specialised Advanced
Cardiac Care
Coronary Artery Disease
I offer skilled advice in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease, ensuring a comprehensive approach to care. Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of a plaque, often caused by factors such as high cholesterol, smoking, and high blood pressure. The major symptoms include chest pain during exertion (angina) or more severe pain indicative of a heart attack.
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction
I have extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating coronary microvascular dysfunction, commonly referred to as microvascular angina. Microvascular angina primarily affects women and is characterised by the inability of the heart's small vessels to adapt to the increased oxygen demand during emotional or physical stress. This results in symptoms such as chest pain, despite the absence of significant blockages in the larger coronary arteries.
Resistant Arterial Hypertension
I offer comprehensive services for managing resistant hypertension, combining optimised lifestyle changes, medical management, and minimally invasive procedures like renal denervation. Resistant hypertension is defined as high blood pressure that remains uncontrolled despite the use of at least three medications and carries an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, dementia, and sight impairment.
Additional
Cardiac Care
Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities
I have expertise in diagnosing and managing cardiac rhythm abnormalities, providing tailored treatment plans to ensure optimal heart function. When needed, I offer guidance on referral for more advanced rhythm management, including ablation or device therapy.
Heart Valve Disease
While I do not perform interventions for heart valve disease, I provide expert diagnosis, follow-up care, and guidance on optimal medical therapy. I also advise when surgical or keyhole procedures are needed. Heart valve disease can involve stenosis, where a valve narrows and restricts blood flow, or regurgitation, where a valve leaks and causes blood to flow backward, both of which can lead to complications if untreated.
Transient Loss of Consciousness
I have expertise in diagnosing and managing cardiac causes of dizziness, fainting, and loss of consciousness, including conditions like postural hypotension and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS). Postural hypotension occurs when blood pressure drops upon standing, leading to dizziness or fainting, often due to dehydration, medication, or nervous system disorders. PoTS is a condition where the heart rate rises excessively upon standing, causing symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, and fatigue, often affecting young individuals, particularly women.
Non-Invasive Diagnostic Tests
I offer access to all range of non-invasive cardiac investigations from basic ECG till more complex tests as cardiac CT, cardiac magnetic resonance and nuclear cardiology. The tests below however can be provided, when needed, immediately within the setting of a standard consultation in clinic
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An ECG measures electrical activity in the heart, identifying heart rhythm abnormalities and other heart conditions.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan that uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart, assessing its structure, function, and blood flow to diagnose various cardiac conditions.
Holter ECG Monitor
A portable device that records heart rhythm over an extended period (up to a week), helping detect intermittent heart rhythm problems.
Stress (Treadmill) ECG
A treadmill ECG, or exercise stress test, records the heart’s electrical activity during physical exertion to assess its response to stress, helping diagnose conditions like coronary artery disease and exercise-induced arrhythmias.
Holter BP Monitor
A Holter blood pressure monitor is a portable device that records blood pressure over 24 hours to detect fluctuations, assess hypertension control, and identify abnormal patterns that may require treatment adjustments.
Tilt Table Test
A tilt table test assesses causes of unexplained dizziness/fainting by monitoring heart rate and blood pressure while tilting patient to an upright position. It helps diagnosing of conditions as postural hypotension and PoTS.
Invasive Procedures
Coronary Angiography
Invasive coronary angiography is a procedure that uses contrast dye and X-rays to visualise the heart’s arteries, assessing for blockages. It is performed under local anaesthesia, typically via wrist access, to guide treatment decisions for coronary artery disease.
Angioplasty and Stenting
Coronary Angioplasty and stenting are minimally invasive procedures used to treat blocked or narrowed heart vessels. The procedure involves inserting a thin catheter with a balloon into the affected artery, usually via the wrist (radial) or groin (femoral) artery, under local anaesthesia. The balloon is inflated to widen the artery, and a stent (a small metal mesh tube) is placed to keep it open, restoring blood flow. The goal is to relieve chest pain (angina), improve heart function, and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
Intracoronary Imaging
Intracoronary imaging, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS), are advanced techniques used during coronary angiography to obtain detailed images of the inside of the heart’s arteries. Performed during invasive angiography or angioplasty, these imaging methods provide high-resolution, real-time views of plaque composition, vessel structure, and stent placement. OCT uses infrared light for microscopic detail, while IVUS employs ultrasound for deeper tissue penetration. These techniques help optimise stent deployment, assess plaque characteristics, and improve precision in coronary interventions, leading to better patient outcomes.
Microvascular Function & Vasoreactivity Tests
Coronary microvascular function and vasoreactivity tests assess the ability of the small heart vessels to regulate blood flow, helping diagnose conditions like microvascular angina. These tests are performed during invasive coronary angiography by administering medications such as acetylcholine or adenosine through a catheter placed in the coronary artery. These substances induce controlled changes in vessel tone, allowing measurement of microvascular resistance, endothelial function, and vasodilation capacity. The results provide crucial insights into microvascular dysfunction, guiding personalised treatment to improve symptoms and prevent long-term complications.
Renal Denervation For Resistant Hypertension
Renal denervation is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat resistant hypertension, a condition where blood pressure remains high despite at least three medications. It targets the overactive sympathetic nerves surrounding the renal arteries, which contribute to elevated blood pressure.
The procedure is performed using a catheter inserted via the femoral or radial artery, which delivers radiofrequency energy or ultrasound waves to disrupt these nerves. This reduces their excessive signalling, leading to a sustained blood pressure reduction.
Renal denervation is particularly beneficial for patients with difficult-to-control hypertension, helping lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other complications.
Find more Information at
Coronary Sinus Reducer for Refractory Angina
The Coronary Sinus Reducer (CSR) is an hourglass-shaped stent designed for patients with refractory angina. The coronary sinus, a large vein draining blood from the heart, is targeted by the CSR. By implanting the device into the coronary sinus, it narrows the vein, increasing pressure and improving blood flow to ischaemic areas of the heart. The procedure is performed via a catheter-based approach, inserted through a vein in the neck under local anaesthesia. This procedure helps relieve angina symptoms and optimise myocardial perfusion. The CSR offers a non-invasive solution that provides symptom relief and improves quality of life in patients with limited treatment options. It is particularly valuable for those who have failed other interventions, offering significant functional benefits without the need for surgical revascularization.
Scientific Production & Research
I have contributed to over 150 publications in peer-reviewed journals and Cardiology books.
My Research and Academic Activity is focused around 3 Main Areas.
Device-Based Therapies for Heart Attack
My research focuses on better understanding which heart attack patients are at higher risk of poor outcomes and how this knowledge can improve treatment strategies.
By identifying key factors that predict worse recovery, we can help tailor care to those who need it most. This information is crucial for guiding the development and implementation of novel device-based therapies that aim to support heart recovery or limit heart muscle damage after a heart attack. Ultimately, my goal is to improve patient outcomes by combining cutting-edge technology with personalised treatment approaches, ensuring that high-risk patients receive the best possible care.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Microvascular Injury
My research program is dedicated to unlocking better ways to diagnose microvascular injury and dysfunction, paving the way for more effective treatments. By refining how we identify these conditions, we can enhance care pathways and bring forward innovative therapies. This is especially crucial for patients suffering from refractory angina due to microvascular dysfunction and those at risk of heart failure after a heart attack due to microvascular obstruction. Ultimately, our goal is to turn cutting-edge research into real-world solutions, ensuring patients get the right treatment at the right time.
Novel Therapies for Arterial Hypertension
My research program is dedicated to unlocking better ways to treat resistant hypertension, ensuring that patients who need more than standard therapies get the right solutions at the right time. We aim to identify those most likely to benefit from mini-invasive procedures and refine how these treatments are used. By developing smarter ways to assess their effectiveness earlier, we can personalize care, improve outcomes, and optimize treatment pathways. Ultimately, our goal is to turn cutting-edge research into practical, life-changing solutions for patients with hard-to-control high blood pressure.
Patients' Reviews
Verified By TopDoctors

1

A very positive and informed meeting. I was given all the information that I needed in a really nice manner.
(J.M. 05.02.2025)

2

Dr Giovanni was so lovely and easy to talk too, he was very friendly and made me feel at ease with the appointment.
(T.M. 18.12.2024)

3

Excellent care and follow up
(C.H. 20.11.2024)

4

Wonderfully looked after. Very reassuring to know that they cover every aspect of your care.
(J. 06.11.2024)

5

I would highly recommend Dr De Maria. My consultation and options were explained in a clear a concise way which I understood.
(L.S. 16.10.2024)

6

I feel very confident in his assessment and care of me. I would recommend this most highly to everyone I know. I appreciate his explanations of my condition, his kind and reassuring manner and I was not hurried. Thank you very much!
(S. 09.10.2024)

7

Always a pleasure to meet Dr De Maria. Professional, comprehensive and reassuring.
(J. 11.09.2024)

8

Dr De Maria saved my life so I am of course biased however, I can say he is professional and caring. In moments in theatre I felt at ease and that I was going to be ok. This was all because of him and his very special team. It was lovely to see him again today to say thank you ❤️
(G.S. 07.08.2024)
Contact and Book an Appointment
I see patients for regular outpatient clinics at Nuffield Manor Hospital and perform procedures at John Radcliffe Hospital. My Practice Manager oversees scheduling for appointments and procedures and can be contacted for further assistance at drgldemaria@gmail.com or +44(0) 1865648987
John Radcliffe Hospital
Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU
Nuffield Health Oxford, The Manor Hospital
Beech Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 7RP
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Contact and Book an Appointment