Cardiology Wharfedale

What is an ECG?

An electrocardiogram or ECG is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart.

Do I need to do anything before the test?

Wear top clothing that can be easily removed. Do not apply body oils or lotions and talcum powders as these prevent good contact between the skin and the ECG stickers.

What will happen during the test?

You will be asked to undress to the waist. ECG stickers are placed across the left side of your chest and one on each arm and leg. You will be asked to keep very still and relax whilst we take a recording.

Will it hurt?

The test is painless but your skin will have to be rubbed where we are going to put the stickers.

How long will the test take?

Approximately 10 to 20 minutes.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, but we would usually ask them to wait outside while you have the test.

What will the test tell?

An ECG records the electrical activity produced each time the heart beats and is used to measure the heart rate and rhythm. It can help diagnose heart disorders such as irregular heart rhythms, heart attacks and enlargement of the heart.

When will I get the results?

If you have been referred by your GP the results will be sent back to the surgery. If you have been sent during an outpatient appointment you will be given the recording to take with you to clinic.

What is an Ambulatory ECG recording?

This is an ECG recording that can be from 1 to 7 days.

Do I need to do anything before the test?

Wear top clothing that can be easily removed. Do not apply body oils or lotions and talcum powders as these prevent good contact between the skin and the ECG stickers.

What will happen during the test?

A small recorder about the size of a mobile phone is attached to your chest with ECG stickers. The recorder is then clipped to your waistband, put in a pocket or worn around your neck. If you wear the recorder for longer than 24hrs you will be shown how to disconnect and reconnect it to allow you to bathe. You will be asked to complete a diary telling us of sleep times and any symptoms. It is important that while you are wearing your recorder you have as normal a day as possible. You will be given a set date and time to return the recorder. This is very important and if you are unable to bring back at this time you must let us know before your appointment.

Will it hurt?

Your skin will have to be rubbed where we are going to put the stickers. This is to try and ensure we get a good quality recording.

How long will the fitting take?

Approximately 10 to 20 minutes.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, but we would usually ask them to wait outside while you have the test.

What will the test tell?

The recording can give us information about how fast or slow your heart rate is, if it is irregular and exactly what your heart is doing when you have your symptoms.

When will I get the results?

The results will be analysed and sent to the doctor who requested the test. Your doctor may either write to you or give you the results at your next appointment. 

What is Ambulatory Blood Pressure monitoring?

This is a recording of your blood pressure at regular intervals over 24 hours.

Do I need to do anything before the fitting?

All patients need to wear a loose fitting top that can be put on over a blood pressure cuff.

What will happen during the fitting?

The BP cuff is fitted to your arm and attached to a recorder which is worn on a belt around your waist. The device will be set to record your BP every 30 minutes during the day and hourly during the night, or programmed for shift working patterns. It is recommended that you do not drive while you have the recorder fitted as you may not be insured. You will be given a diary sheet for details of any medication you are taking, symptoms and sleep times. You will also be given a set time to return the recorder the following day and it is important that you tell us before your appointment if you are unable to do this.

Will the recording hurt?

It can be uncomfortable when the cuff inflates just as it is when you have your blood pressure taken.

How long will the fitting take?

Approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, we would usually ask them to wait outside while you have the fitting.

What will the test tell?

The test can confirm if you have high or low blood pressure or ensure the medication you are taking is working.

When will I get the results?

The results will be analysed and sent to the doctor who requested the test. Your doctor may either write to you or give you the results at your next appointment.

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram (Echo) is a scan which uses ultrasound waves to produce an image of your heart.

Do I need to do anything before the test?

No. You may eat and drink as normal. You can also continue to take your medication.

What will happen during the test?

You will be asked to undress to the waist and lie on a couch. Gowns are provided. You do not have to lie flat if this is difficult and the test can be done with you sat in a wheelchair if necessary. ECG stickers are attached to your chest to monitor your heart beat. You will be asked to turn onto your side with your hand placed under your head. A small probe will then be placed on different parts of your chest with some gel to record the images. You may hear the sound of blood flow in your heart.

Will it hurt?

The test is painless. You will only feel the probe pressing on your chest.

How long will the test take?

Approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, we would usually ask them to wait outside while you have the test.

What can the test tell?

An echocardiogram provides information about the structure and function of the heart as well as the condition of the heart muscle. It is useful if you have had a heart attack or heart failure. An echocardiogram is also commonly used to assess the heart valves and blood flow within the heart.

When will I get the results?

A written report will be sent to the doctor who requested the test. Your doctor may either write to you or give you the results at your next appointment.

What is spirometry?

This is a very basic assessment of your breathing to assess the following:

• How much air you can blow out in one big breath.
• How much air you can blow out in the first second and what proportion this is of the total volume.
• The maximum speed with which you can blow out.

Do I need to do anything before the test?

Yes. So we can make measurements that are as accurate as possible please follow these instructions prior to your test.

Please AVOID:

• Smoking for 24 hours.
• Consuming alcohol for at least 12 hours.
• Vigorous exercise for at least 30 minutes.
• Wearing tight clothing that can restrict a big breath in.
• Eating a large meal for at least 2 hours (sandwich / snacks are OK).

Please AVOID taking broncho-dilators such as…

• Ventolin (Salbutamol)
• Atrovent (Ipratopium bromide)
• Bricanyl (Terbutaline sulphate)
• Combivent
• Berotec (Fenoterol hydrobromide)

…through an inhaler or nebuliser for 4 hours prior to your test.

Please AVOID taking long-acting bronchodilators such as…

• Servent (salmeterol)
• Handihaler (tiotropium bromide)

…for 12 hours prior to your test.

Please CONTINUE to take any other medication such as steroids:

• Flixotide (fluticasone proprionate)
• Pulmicort (Budenoside)
• Beclotide (Beclametasone )
• Becloforte

If you have not complied with any of these instructions please inform us before we begin your test.

What will happen during the test?

Your height and weight will be measured and then you will be asked to blow into a small tube which records how much air you can blow out and how fast you are able to do this. You will be asked to repeat this up to 8 times but you will be able to rest between each blow.

Will it hurt?

The test is painless. You will only feel the probe pressing on your chest.

How long will the test take?

The test will take between 5 and 15 minutes depending on your ability to perform the tests.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, we would usually ask them to wait outside while you have the test.

What can the test tell?

The test may be used to determine the cause of unexplained breathlessness. If you need surgery the test may be used to see if you are fit enough to undergo general anaesthesia. This test may also be used to monitor the progress of a condition or the response to changes in treatment.

When will I get the results?

A written report will be sent to the doctor who requested the test. Your doctor may either write to you or give you the results at your next appointment.