Electrocardiogram (ECG)
A non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other cardiac conditions.
Cardiology remains predominantly a clinical specialty and there is no substitute from obtaining an adequate story of the presenting problem from the patient. However, despite this, partly through advances in technology, we have available many useful diagnostic tests, most of which are extremely safe and non invasive. There is no doubt that these have taken some of the guess work out of managing our patients and has therefore lead to better outcomes in nearly all aspect of Cardiology. These tests are discussed here to help patients understand what is involved with them.
A non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other cardiac conditions.
Also known as a stress test, this assessment evaluates the heart’s response to physical exertion, helping to identify coronary artery disease and exercise-induced arrhythmias.
An ultrasound-based imaging technique that visualises heart structures and assesses cardiac function, aiding in the diagnosis of heart valve diseases and cardiomyopathies.
Combines an echocardiogram with an exercise test to assess how the heart muscles and valves function under stress, useful for detecting coronary artery disease.
An imaging procedure that uses X-rays to view the heart’s blood vessels, identifying blockages or narrowing that may require intervention.
An ultrasound imaging test where a probe is inserted into the oesophagus to obtain detailed images of the heart’s structures, often used when standard echocardiograms are inconclusive.
A small device implanted under the skin that continuously monitors heart rhythms over an extended period, aiding in the diagnosis of intermittent arrhythmias.