General Information

This is a simple test in which electrodes are placed on the chest, arms and legs to record the electrical activity of the heart. It shows heart rate and rhythm, and can show evidence of a heart attack. It takes 10 - 15 mins and no preparation is required.

General Information

An echo is an ultrasound of the heart. This test provides images, which can show the size, shape and how the heart is functioning. An echo is usually done to assess the function of the heart and the assessment of heart disease, chest pain, palpitations and murmurs. It usually takes around 40mins. In order to perform the ultrasound, the sonographer or Cardiologist will need to place the imaging probe at different sites on your chest. It is advisable to wear appropriate clothing to facilitate changing into an examination gown for this study.

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This is a portable ECG monitor worn for a period of 24 hours or several days to assess your heart rhythm over an extended period as you go about your normal activities. It is used in the evaluation of palpitations or blackouts. It takes 15 - 20 mins to fit and no preparation is required.

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What is a Transoesophageal Echocardiogram?

Transoesophageal Echocardiography (TOE) is a procedure that enables the Doctor to obtain very clear ultrasound pictures of your heart from within your oesophagus and stomach. It permits closer access to the heart and is ideal for looking at the heart valves, aorta and structures at the back of the heart. It is particularly useful for identifying preformed clots within the heart that may prevent invasive procedures of the heart.

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Cardioversion refers to the process of restoring the normal heart rhythm from an abnormal rhythm. Most elective cardioversions are performed to treat atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter - heart rhythm disturbances that originate in the upper chambers (atria) of the heart.

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In the investigation of recurrent faints or palpitations, repeated monitoring is often used. Unfortunately, these symptoms can be infrequent and be elusive to detection by periodic monitoring with ECG or holter monitors (continuous monitors). The implantable loop recorder is used to detect these arrhythmias by providing the capability to monitor your heart rhythm for a 1 to 2 year period. This is a small recording device which will be implanted under the skin.

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The heart has a natural pacemaker and an electrical system that directs the heart muscle to beat. Sometimes problems can arise either in the pacemaker or with this electrical system that can cause the heart to beat too slowly or stop. So a mechanical permanent pacemaker needs to be inserted to take over the deficient natural electrical source.

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Under certain circumstances the beat of the heart can become abnormally fast in a very dangerous way. This usually occurs in people who already have major abnormalities of the electrical system of the heart or of the heart muscle. An Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) can detect such fast heartbeats and correct them by applying a series of electrical impulses to the heart or by delivering a shock to the heart.

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Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is a new form of treatment for severe heart failure. CRT has been shown to reduce the symptoms of heart failure and improve outlook in selected recipients. CRT is performed using a special form of pacemaker known as a bi-ventricular pacemaker. This device is implanted during a small surgical procedure under the skin beneath the collarbone. Electrical cables run from the device to the heart to stimulate it to beat more strongly and in a more coordinated manner.

We are currently developing information and will provide it on our website shortly.

General Information

What Is Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)?

In some hearts, an abnormal heart rhythm develops in the top part of the heart when an electrical impulse either starts from a different location other than the SA node, or follows a route (or pathway) that is not normally present. When this occurs the heart will suddenly start racing. The heart rate is usually over 150 beats per minute and often over 200 beats per minute. Certain things in some people can trigger episodes. These include caffeine, alcohol, anxiety, exercise or sudden movements such as bending over.

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How Do Abnormal Heart Rhythms Occur?

In some hearts, an abnormal heart rhythm develops when an electrical impulse starts from a different location, other than the SA node, or follows a route (or pathway) that is not normally present. This is what happens in atrial flutter. A short-circuit develops in the right atrium.

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How Does Atrial Fibrillation Occur?

Atrial fibrillation is due to the development of electrical short circuits inside the top chambers of the heart.

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How Does Atrial Fibrillation Occur?

In some hearts, an abnormal heart rhythm develops when an electrical impulse either starts from a different location, other than the SA node, or follows a route (or pathway) that is not normally present. This is what happens in atrial fibrillation. Multiple electrical short circuits develop in the upper heart chambers.

We are currently developing information and will provide it on our website shortly.

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What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is when your coronary arteries (the ones that supply blood to your heart muscle) become clogged with fatty material called 'plaque' or 'atheroma'. Plaque slowly builds up within the normally thin inner wall of your arteries, causing the arterial lumen to gradually become narrow. This process is called 'atherosclerosis'. It starts when you are young and can be quite advanced and widespread by middle age.

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Why do people need coronary angioplasty and stents?

You might need coronary angioplasty:

• to improve blood flow to your heart if one or more of your arteries are too narrow because of significant plaque build-up
• if you have angina, because it can improve the flow of blood to your heart muscle by opening narrowed arteries
• if you have a heart attack, because it can help to quickly restore the flow of blood and minimise damage to your heart by opening narrowed arteries.

We are currently developing information and will provide it on our website shortly.