Our Services
Common tests and procedures available at Medihearts
Services
Tests and Procedures
Below is an expanding list of tests and procedures with a brief explanation of the process, risk, and preparation.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound (uses sound waves) scan of the heart. It is used to visualise the four chambers of the heart as well as the four heart valves and surrounding structures. It provides information about the structure and function of your heart.
What happens during an Echocardiogram?
During an echocardiogram you will have to lie on your back or left hand side for approximately 40 minutes with your chest exposed. A probe and some gel will be placed on the surface of your chest which will allow the heart to be imaged. You may be asked to take a few deep breaths at several stages during the test.
Is an Echocardiogram dangerous?
No. An Echocardiogram is completely safe. It will not interfere with any electronic devices.
What do I have to do to prepare for an Echocardiogram?
No specific preparation is required for the test. We advise patients that the test takes approximately 40
minutes. You may wish to visit the restrooms prior to the test.
Exercise Stress Test
An Exercise Stress Test is a test to see how your heart performs when it is asked to work harder. It is often used to determine if there are problems with the blood supply to the heart muscle which may put you at risk of having a heart attack. It also provides other valuable information including your heart rate and blood pressure response to exercise.
What happens during an Exercise Stress Test?
During an exercise stress test you will be asked to walk briskly on a treadmill during which the pattern of electrical activity generated by your heart (ECG) will be closely observed. You will also be asked to report any symptoms you may experience during the test. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be recorded at specified intervals. The results of the test are available immediately following the test and will be forwarded to your referring Doctor.
Is the test dangerous?
There is a small risk of having a heart attack or dying during the test. The risk is however small and needs
to be balanced against the potential benefits the information gained from the test could offer. A Doctor
will be present at all times during the test who will be monitoring your progress closely.
What do I have to do to prepare for the test?
As you will be exercising on a treadmill, we advise that you wear suitable clothing and footwear. We also
advise that you avoid consuming any caffeine or products which contain caffeine on the day of the test.
Exercise Stress Echocardiogram
This test is to see how your heart performs when it is placed under exercise or stress. The test is often used to investigate symptoms such as chest discomfort or breathlessness, and in people with known or suspected heart disease.
What happens during an Exercise Stress Test?
During an exercise stress echocardiogram, a cardiac scientist first performs an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). To ensure good contact between your skin and the probe, ultrasound jelly is placed at several different sites on your chest. Secondly, your heart is exercised or ‘stressed’ by walking on a treadmill. The speed and slope of the treadmill will increase every few minutes, to make your heart work harder.
When your heart is working as hard as possible, you stop exercising and quickly lie down on the bed. More echocardiogram pictures are taken. Your heartbeat will be monitored throughout exercise and after exercise is stopped.
Is the test dangerous?
The risk of heart attack or death as a result of this procedure is extremely rare. The risks need to be balanced against the potential benefits and the information gained from this test. A Doctor will be present at all times during the test, monitoring your progress closely.
You will be encouraged to exercise until you are exhausted. It is normal for your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate to increase. When you stop exercising suddenly, it is normal to feel a little unsteady when getting off the treadmill and onto the exam table for the echocardiogram.
What do I have to do to prepare for the test?
As you will be exercising on a treadmill, we advise that you wear suitable clothing and footwear. You may eat and drink the day of your test but please cease food or drink (except water) 4 hours prior to your test. Please avoid consuming any caffeine or caffeinated products on the day of the test, this includes but not limited to coffee, tea, high sugary drinks i.e. cola, energy drinks, and chocolate products. Avoid smoking cigarettes on the day prior to your test. Both caffeine and nicotine will interfere with the results of your test.
Holter Monitor
A Holter Monitor is a device which records the electrical impulses generated by your heart which cause it to beat. The device records every heart beat over approximately 24 hours. It is used when patients are suspected of having abnormal heart rhythms or missed beats.
What happens during a Holter Monitor Recording?
During a Holter Monitor recording you will be fitted with a small device which can be clipped onto your waist or belt. The device is connected to five leads which are attached to sensors on your chest as shown in the diagram below. Patients wear the device for 24 hours and then return it the following day. The information is then downloaded onto a computer and analysed. A report is usually available within 48 hours.
Is a Holter Monitor dangerous?
No. A Holter Monitor is completely safe. It will not interfere with any other electronic devices.
What do I have to do to prepare for a Holter Monitor?
A Holter Monitor does not require any specific preparation. We advise patients to be mindful that you will
not be able to get the device wet and will need to return it in approximately 24 hours.
24 Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
A 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor is simply a device that is fitted and measures your blood pressure at regular intervals over a 24-hour period. It allows Doctors to assess the pattern of your blood pressure over a 24-hour period in your usual environment.
What happens during a 24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitor Recording?
A blood pressure cuff is fitted to your arm and connected to a small device attached to your waist or worn around your neck. The cuff will inflate every 30 minutes during the day and every 60 minutes at night during which your blood pressure will be recorded. The information is stored in the device’s memory and will be downloaded and analysed on a computer when the device is returned. A report is usually available within 24 hours and will be forwarded to your referring Doctor.
Is Is the test dangerous?
No. A 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure recording is completely safe.
What do I have to do to prepare for the test?
No specific preparation is required however we advise that you wear clothing which will allow a blood pressure cuff to be fitted to your upper arm.
Electrocardiograph (ECG)
An ECG is a surface recording of the electrical impulses generated by your heart which correspond to your heart rhythm. It provides valuable information regarding the structure and function of your heart.
What happens during an ECG recording?
During an ECG recording, you will be asked to lie on your back with your chest exposed. Several sensors will be placed on your skin and connected via cables to a recording device. The device will record a series of heart beats and provide a printout for analysis.
Is the test dangerous?
No. An ECG is completely safe.
What do I have to do to prepare for an ECG?
No specific preparation is required for the test.