Cardiac Investigations
We offer a complete range of cardiac investigations which are undertaken on a private patient basis at Worcestershire Royal Hospital
ECHOCARDIOGRAM
An echocardiogram, or “echo”, is a scan used to look at the structure and function of the heart and nearby blood vessels. It’s a type of ultrasound scan, which means a small probe is used to send out high-frequency sound waves that create echoes when they bounce off different parts of the body. It is a non-invasive test that takes approximately 20-30 minutes for a cardiac physiologist to perform and your Cardiologist then reviews the images and results. This test is undertaken at Worcester Royal Hospital on a private patient basis.
24/48/72 HOUR ECG (HOLTER MONITOR)
A Holter monitor is a battery-operated portable device that measures and records your heart’s activity (ECG) continuously for 24 to 48 hours or longer depending on the type of monitoring required. The device is the size of a small camera. It has wires with small sticky electrodes that attach to your skin. You will be asked to attend the clinic to have the monitor fitted and then return for it to be removed when the monitoring period is over. You will be asked to keep a diary of your symptoms while the Holter monitor is in place. The data obtained by the monitor is then analysed and your Cardiologist will review the ECG tracings and results. This test is undertaken at Worcester Royal Hospital on a private patient basis.
AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a non-invasive method of obtaining blood pressure readings over a 24-hour period, whilst the patient is in their own environment. This will give a true reflection of their blood pressure and eliminate factors such as “white coat hypertension”. A blood pressure cuff is worn on the arm for 24 hours and readings are taken every 20-30 minutes throughout the day and hourly overnight. This test is undertaken at Worcester Royal Hospital on a private patient basis.
EXERCISE TOLERANCE TEST
The exercise tolerance test or “stress test”, involves walking on a treadmill (moving belt) whist your heart is monitored by an electrocardiogram (ECG) and your blood pressure measured. The treadmill will start at a level which you can easily manage and then the speed and elevation will gradually be increased at measured stages (every 3 minutes). The test can be stopped if you feel any discomfort or if your cardiologist or physiologist performing the test feels you have done enough exercise. It is best to wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes to undertake this test. It is used much less frequently these days as other tests are seen as more reliable for investigating angina. This test is undertaken at Worcester Royal Hospital on a private patient basis.
CARDIAC MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the structures within the heart. It is used to detect or monitor cardiac disease and to evaluate the heart’s anatomy and function. The examination uses very different technology to a normal X-ray, and does take more time to carry out. It is also safer as it is does not use ionising radiation, which many other tests require. Depending on the problem being investigated, the scan time can vary from 20 to 45 minutes. Particularly complex heart conditions can require up to an hour of scanning. This investigation may help to explain results from other imaging tests such as chest x rays and chest CT scans. Due to the very specialised equipment needed, this test is carried out at a Birmingham location.
CT CORONARY ANGIOGRAM (CTCA)
A computerized tomography (CT) coronary angiogram is an imaging test that looks at the arteries that supply blood to your heart. It might be used to diagnose the cause of chest pain or other symptoms. A CT coronary angiogram relies on a powerful X-ray machine to produce images of your heart and its blood vessels with the use of a contrast medium. An X-ray dye (contrast medium) is injected into a vein in your arm, via a small plastic tube (cannula) to highlight the blood vessels. This tube is removed after the test is completed. CTCA is sometimes undertaken instead of a coronary angiogram or “cardiac catheterisation” which is a more invasive procedure. This test is carried out at Spire South Bank Hospital.
CT CORONARY ANGIOGRAM (CTCA)
A computerized tomography (CT) coronary angiogram is an imaging test that looks at the arteries that supply blood to your heart. It might be used to diagnose the cause of chest pain or other symptoms. A CT coronary angiogram relies on a powerful X-ray machine to produce images of your heart and its blood vessels with the use of a contrast medium. An X-ray dye (contrast medium) is injected into a vein in your arm, via a small plastic tube (cannula) to highlight the blood vessels. This tube is removed after the test is completed. CTCA is sometimes undertaken instead of a coronary angiogram or “cardiac catheterisation” which is a more invasive procedure. This test is carried out at Spire South Bank Hospital.
CORONARY ANGIOGRAM or CARDIAC CATHETERISATION
Cardiac catheterisation is an invasive diagnostic procedure that provides important information about the structure and function of the heart. It is regarded as the gold standard test for diagnosing coronary artery disease (narrowed heart arteries). It usually involves taking X-rays of the heart’s arteries (coronary arteries) using a technique called coronary angiography or arteriography. A long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter is put into a blood vessel in your wrist and threaded to your heart. Through the catheter, your doctor can do diagnostic tests on your heart. The test is undertaken at Worcester Royal Hospital as a day case procedure and you will have local anaesthetic and sedation to keep you comfortable throughout. You will stay in hospital to be monitored for a few hours after the test and then allowed to go home. You should not drive yourself home and it is best to have someone with you for the following 24 hours.