There are a number of tests that we may recommend at different times. The most common are listed below.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram, or echo, is an ultrasound of the heart. It gives us information about how your heart is working. The specialist Sonographers use a lubricant (jelly) and a probe and move it around your chest to take their pictures. You will have to take off your top, but you will be given a hospital gown to cover yourself with. The scan can take up to 45 minutes but we get the results straight away. We will usually do an echocardiogram once a year (or less frequently for some conditions).
Echocardiogram Information Leaflet (Easy Read format)
ECG
An electrocardiograph (ECG) tells us about the electrical activity in your heart such as how fast your heart is beating and whether it is in a normal rhythm. You will have to take off your top but you will be given a hospital gown to cover yourself with. Stickers will be placed on your chest, legs and arms and leads are attached to the stickers. It is a quick test, only taking 5-10 minutes. We can give you the results straight away.
24 Hour ECG Information Leaflet (Easy Read format)
Blood tests
There are a number of different blood tests that we may need at different clinic visits. The doctor or nurse will explain the reasons behind the blood tests to you.
Exercise tests
We usually only require an exercise test every few years. It gives us good information about how your heart gets oxygen around your body and how much exercise you can do. It is usually performed on a treadmill but can be done on a static bike. You will have a mouth piece in and stickers on your chest. The test can take up to 30 minutes. It is important that you try your best. The results can take a few weeks.
Cardiac MRI scan
Cardiac MRI scans provide indepth information about how your heart works. The MRI scan can take up to an hour. The results will be sent to your cardiologist who will then write to you. This can take up to 3 months.
Transoesophageal echocardiogram
A transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) is a type of ultrasound that uses a ‘scope’ that goes down your food pipe (oesophagus). A TOE provides more detailed pictures and can help guide what type of treatment you need. You are admitted to a day-case ward for this procedure and will be in hospital for a few hours. For the procedure you will have sedation so you will feel sleepy.
Cardiac catheter
A cardiac catheter involves making an incision (usually at the top of your leg) so that tubes can be passed up to your heart to take pictures using dye and x-rays. Please read our more detailed patient information leaflet if you would like more information about this.