Tests and procedures

Heart Rhythm Monitoring

Below are basic explanations of the diagnostic tests and clinical procedures we use. For further information please feel free to contact us.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A painless, non-invasive test which captures and prints the electrical impulses created by the heart. This offers extensive information about the rhythm and structure of the heart and can also detect underlying quiescent heart conditions.

Exercise ECG

This is an ECG that is performed at rest and then on a treadmill during a series of exercise stages of increasing difficulty. This allows for the assessment of the heart rhythm, blood pressure and electrical activity of the heart during exercise. This is a helpful test both for the assessment of known coronary artery disease and for the assessment of risk in patients with no known heart disease.

24 hour Holter (ECG)

This test allows for the collection of ECG data over a prolonged period of time (usually 24-48 hours). It is particularly useful in detecting heart rhythm disturbances that occur relatively frequently. A series of electrodes are attached to the chest, the recording device is lightweight and after the ECG data has been gathered we carefully analyse the cardiac rhythm data collected over the monitored period.

Ambulatory ECG monitor

These two tests allow for longer periods of cardiac rhythm monitoring. These devices are lightweight and portable and enable ECG data collection on arrhythmias that may occur less frequently.

Implantable Loop Recorder

This small device is implanted under the skin using local anaesthetic through a 5 mm incision over the left chest wall. The loop recorder allows for long term heart rhythm monitoring and is particularly helpful for investigating blackouts (syncope) and arrhythmias. The device is removed either when a diagnosis has been made, or at the end of its battery life. This procedure is performed by Dr Hickman and is usually a daycase procedure. The device can remotely monitor your heart rhythms using our CareLink monitoring service.