Investigations
ECG
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a medical test that detects cardiac (heart) abnormalities by measuring the electrical activity generated by the heart as it contracts. The machine that records the patient’s ECG is called an electrocardiograph.
The electrocardiograph records the electrical activity of the heart muscle and displays this data as a trace on a screen or on paper. This data is then interpreted by a medical practitioner.
ECGs from normal, healthy hearts have a characteristic shape. Any irregularity in the heart rhythm or damage to the heart muscle can change the electrical activity of the heart so that the shape of the ECG is changed.
Echocardiography
An Echocardiogram is a test that uses ultrasound to assess the structure and function of the heart. You will be required to remove all your clothing from the waist up. The Echocardiographer will place some small dots on your chest to monitor your heart rate and place an ultrasound probe and gel at various places on your chest. During the study you will hear noises which reflect the blood flow through your heart. Ultrasound is a safe modality, and does not pose any risks to the patient. The test can take between 30 and 45 minutes and there are no special requirements before the test.
Echocardiography
An Echocardiogram is a test that uses ultrasound to assess the structure and function of the heart. You will be required to remove all your clothing from the waist up. The Echocardiographer will place some small dots on your chest to monitor your heart rate and place an ultrasound probe and gel at various places on your chest. During the study you will hear noises which reflect the blood flow through your heart. Ultrasound is a safe modality, and does not pose any risks to the patient. The test can take between 30 and 45 minutes and there are no special requirements before the test.
Stress Echocardiography
A Stress Echocardiogram requires you to exercise for a short period on a treadmill while your heart rhythm and blood pressure is being monitored. Ultrasound images will be taken of the heart before and after exercise. This allows the Cardiologist to assess for any changes in your hearts function at rest, and at exercise that might indicate disease.
Angiography
A Coronary Angiogram is a special x-ray of the heart’s arteries in order to show if they are narrowed or blocked. The test involves the insertion of a long thin catheter into an artery in the groin or wrist under local anaesthetic. The catheter is moved up the inside of the artery until it reaches the heart. When the catheter is in place, a small amount of dye will be injected into it. X-rays will be taken as the dye travels through the coronary arteries. A standard angiogram takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
Angiography
A Coronary Angiogram is a special x-ray of the heart’s arteries in order to show if they are narrowed or blocked. The test involves the insertion of a long thin catheter into an artery in the groin or wrist under local anaesthetic. The catheter is moved up the inside of the artery until it reaches the heart. When the catheter is in place, a small amount of dye will be injected into it. X-rays will be taken as the dye travels through the coronary arteries. A standard angiogram takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
24 Hour Holter
A Holter Monitor is essentially an ECG, or a reading of the electrical activity of the heart, which records continuously throughout the monitoring period.
A technician will place ECG electrodes on your chest, and attach a monitor which is similar in size to a modern smart-phone. The monitor will be attached by a belt around your waist.
It will take approximately 15 minutes to fit the monitor, and 10 minutes for removal or you may remove yourself as advised by the technician.
Pacemaker Check
A pacemaker is a device used to supplement the electrical activity of the heart in patients whose heart is not conducting correctly, i.e their heart rate is beating too slowly, bradycardia. It generally does not provide benefit when the heart beats too quickly. A Biventricular Pacemaker is a pacemaker that paces on both sides of the heart. In selected cases, resynchronising the heart in this fashion can improve cardiac function. An EP Study is the study of normal and abnormal electrical behaviour of the heart. It is an invasive electrical examination of the heart. The procedure is performed in the Cardiac Catheter Laboratory where X-ray equipment is available.
Pacemaker Check
A pacemaker is a device used to supplement the electrical activity of the heart in patients whose heart is not conducting correctly, i.e their heart rate is beating too slowly, bradycardia. It generally does not provide benefit when the heart beats too quickly. A Biventricular Pacemaker is a pacemaker that paces on both sides of the heart. In selected cases, resynchronising the heart in this fashion can improve cardiac function. An EP Study is the study of normal and abnormal electrical behaviour of the heart. It is an invasive electrical examination of the heart. The procedure is performed in the Cardiac Catheter Laboratory where X-ray equipment is available.