Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test to assess the electrical activity of the heart. It is simple and non-invasive, requiring you to lie on a couch with stickers placed on your chest and arms. A printout of your heart's electrical activity is then obtained, which requires interpretation by your cardiologist.
Echocardiogram
This is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It is safe and non-invasive, very similar to the type of scan that is done to assess a baby during pregnancy. The scan will tell us whether the heart is structurally normal, although more subtle changes may need other types of scans to be assessed.
Exercise ECG
This is sometimes called a treadmill test and is a screening test to look for evidence of angina. The test involves being attached to an ECG, as described above, and then walking on a treadmill to increase your heart rate. The electrical signals on the ECG show changes if there is evidence of angina-type problems.
Stress Echo
This is a non-invasive test, usually used to look for evidence of angina or blockages in the coronary arteries. The test involves an initial echocardiogram, as shown above. The heart rate is then increased either by exercise on a treadmill or a bike or by giving a drug. The ultrasound is then repeated when the heart rate has increased, and the baseline and "stress" pictures are compared to look for changes suggestive of problems.
Holter Monitor
Holter monitors are wearable ECG monitors that can assess the heart rhythm over a longer period. They are used in patients with symptoms such as palpitations or abnormal sensations in the heart. They can also be used to investigate the cause of blackouts. They are usually fitted by a doctor or technician and then worn at home. The information collected can then be interpreted by your cardiologist using a computer.
Coronary Angiogram
This is a test to look for blockages within the coronary arteries that may be causing angina symptoms or putting you at risk of a heart attack. The test is usually performed under a local anaesthetic and involves putting a small tube into the artery of the groin (femoral artery) or wrist (radial artery). Small tubes known as catheters are then passed through the blood vessels to the heart, where a dye is put into the coronary arteries and X-ray pictures are taken. The test takes around 30 minutes to an hour, and most patients go home a few hours later.
Cardiac MRI
A cardiac MRI is a magnetic resonance scan of the heart. It gives very clear pictures of the structure and function of the heart and can also provide information on signs of angina or coronary blockages. The test involves lying flat on a bed and being passed through a tunnel, which takes pictures of the heart. Some people can find this a little claustrophobic, but most people find it quite manageable.
Cardiac CT
A cardiac CT is another type of scan that can give information on the structure of the heart and the state of the coronary arteries. It involves lying on a bed and passing through a "doughnut" to take pictures of the heart and coronaries.
Your Path to Diagnosis
The tests required to investigate cardiovascular disease depend on your symptoms and risk factors. Below is a list of tests that can help manage heart conditions.
Call today to book an appointment: 077 7532 2987