Cardiac Testing

An ECG records the rhythm and electrical activity of your heart. The recording is used to assess your heart rhythm, and blood flow to the heart muscle. 

What happens during my test?

You will be lying down for the test.

10  electrodes, similar to round discs, will be placed on your chest. These record your heart rhythm and rate.

It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to carry out the test.

An Echo, helps us to evaluate how well your heart is working. It is like an ultrasound scan and is used to assess any issues with the valves or chambers of your heart.

A Stress Test is used to check how well your heart works with increased activity or exercise, that puts your heart under pressure to work harder. The type of issues it looks out for are either arrhythmia’s or ischemia (coronary issues).

This test takes place on a treadmill to mimic the effect of activity or exercise.

The stress test may also be called an exercise stress test or a treadmill stress test.

What happens during my test?

You will be attached to an ECG and ask to walk on the treadmill.

Every 3mins, the treadmill will get hillier and faster, until you either reach a pre-determined heart rate or experience symptoms. The test can last up to 30-45 mins, unless stopped sooner.

Ideally you should have something light to eat beforehand.

There will be someone beside you at all times while you are on the threadmill.

A Blood Pressure monitor is used to look at your heart rate while going about your daily routine.  It also can help to check if medication is working as it should be.

What happens during my test?

The monitor takes about 20 minutes to put on and then, you will wear it at work, home or wherever else you normally would be, over a 24-hour period.

During the day a recording is taken every 20mins and at night (from 8pm-8am) every 60mins. 

When recording, the cuff inflates, slightly squeezing your arm - it is noticeable, but not uncomfortable.

You may also record details of your activity while monitoring is happening - it can provide useful information.

A Holter Monitor is a type of portable ECG which continuously monitors and records your heart's rhythm, or electrical activity.

A Holter Monitor may be requested if tests, such as an ECG, are not providing your Consultant with enough information regarding the electrical activity or rhythm of your heart.

What happens during my test?

When you come in for your appointment to set up the monitor, 3 electrodes will be placed on your chest and connected to a small monitor the size of a credit card.

The monitor and how it works will be explained to you, and you will be given a diary to record your activity in over the next 24 or 48 hours.

As you go about your daily routine, the monitor records your heart's rhythm.

The monitor takes about 20 mins to put on and you will wear it at work, home or wherever else you normally would be.