Principal Treatments
carried out by Dr Dominik Schlosshan
Blood Pressure Test (24hours)
A blood pressure cuff is fitted for 24 hours. This will inflate every 30 min during the day time and every hour during the night. This will allow assessment of the average blood pressure and is an accurate way to assess if you have high blood pressure and require treatment.
Contrast Echocardiogram
During the test, an ultrasound probe is placed on the chest and moving pictures of the heart are produced. We will also need to place a small drip needle in your hand or arm to inject a dye solution to see your heart clearly. The test takes around 30 minutes.
CT coronary angiogram
This is an investigation using a high-resolution CT x-ray scanner to perform a test called a CT coronary angiogram. It is a non-invasive way to show pictures of the coronary arteries and can assess if you have any signs of narrowings in them which may be restricting the flow of blood being delivered to your heart muscle. The CT scanner is an open, ring-like piece of equipment that looks like a “polo mint” rather than a tunnel.
Echocardiogram (or Cardiac Ultrasound)
A probe is placed on the chest wall and moving pictures of the heart are generated using ultrasound waves. The test takes around 30 minutes.
ECG Monitoring or Event Recorder - (24-72 hours/5-7 day)
A heart monitor is fitted for a certain time period to help identify abnormal heart rates and rhythms. The duration will depend on the frequency of symptoms. Stickers are placed on the chest and the electrical activity of the heart is recorded. You will be fitted with the monitor and will bring it back for the specified return time. The recorder will then be analysed. You will also be given a diary to record any symptoms you may have during the recording time. The physiologist will give you clear instructions on what to do when you take a shower etc.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Stickers are placed on the chest and the electrical activity of the heart is recorded.
Stress Echocardiogram
A Stress Echocardiogram is an investigation done to examine the heart muscle and valves during exercise. It also a way to assess blood flow to the heart. The test is safe and painless. You will either walk briskly on a treadmill or receive an intravenous infusion (dobutamine) to increase the heart rate. In most cases, we will also need to place a small drip needle in your hand or arm to inject a dye solution to see your heart clearly. A probe will be placed on your chest to look at your heart. We will also take your blood pressure and ECG. You will be asked to undress to your waist (please wear a top that can be removed easily) and you are advised to wear comfortable, low-heeled walking shoes/trainers. The test takes approximately one hour, and every attempt will be made to keep to your appointment time but occasionally delays are unavoidable. The risks associated with a stress echocardiogram are small. Some people can develop an allergic reaction to the dye solution (<1 in 2000 people). We can treat this however should this occur.
Transoesophageal Echo
Under sedation and local anesthetic, a probe is passed down the food pipe (gullet) similar to an endoscopy procedure. Because the food pipe is very close to the heart very detailed moving images of the heart can be recorded using ultrasound. Often more detailed information can be obtained than with a conventional echo (a cardiac ultrasound). With sedation and local anesthetic, the procedure is usually well tolerated.
Treadmill Exercise Test (Stress Test or Exercise ECG)
Stickers are placed on the chest to record the electrical activity of the heart. You are then asked to walk on a treadmill whilst your blood pressure and heart rate are monitored.
Contact Us
Private Secretary
Emma Tilford
Private Secretary Contact
0113 388 2235
emma.tilford@nuffieldhealth.com
Nuffield Cardiology: 0113 388 2073
Spire Cardiology: 0113 218 5922