Cardiology diagnostics

In Cardiology diagnostics we will be offering echocardiograms, ECGs and ambulatory ECG monitoring.

What to expect during your scan

Echocardiograms

Echocardiograms are detailed ultrasound scans of the heart. These look at how well the heart is pumping and if the valves of the heart are ok. 

The scan requires you to undress from the waist up (gowns are available).

Ultrasound gel will be used to gain the images by the physiologist, and please note that the physiologist may be either male or female. A chaperone is always available.

An echocardiogram will usually take between 30 to 40 minutes.

Echocardiograms are referred by your GP or hospital doctor or nurse.

ECGs

ECG is a recording of the electrical system of the heart.

Ten small stickers will be placed across the chest and attached to the ECG machine with wires.

You will need to be undressed from the waist up (gowns are available).

An ECG will usually take between 10 to 15 minutes.

ECGs are referred by hospital doctor or team.

Ambulatory ECG

Ambulatory ECG monitoring records the ECG for a period of time between one and five days. The monitoring period will be decided by your referring doctor and will be on your appointment letter. You will also be reminded of the monitoring period on the pack.

The monitoring device is fitted by yourself and is picked up from the CDC reception.

Full instructions of how to fit the monitor are included.

The device will need to be brought back to the CDC reception on the date stated. Any delay will mean other patients are unable to be seen.

Ambulatory monitors are referred by your hospital doctor, nurse or GP.