Investigations

ECG

What is an electrocardiogram? (ECG)

• An electrocardiogram is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart
• The Electrical activity is related to the impulses that travel through the heart that determine the heart’s rate and rhythm
• Electrodes are placed on the chest, arms and legs
• The test takes 5-10 minutes
• Currently, this test must be ordered by a consultant / doctor in Naas General Hospital.

What preparation is needed?

• No restrictions on food, liquid or medications prior to test
• Do not apply lotions, oils, or powder to the chest

more about ECG...

HOLTER MONITORING

What is Holter monitoring?

• Holter monitoring is a continuous, twenty-four hour electocardiographic (ECG) Recording of the hearts rhythm
• Electrodes are placed on the chest area with the leads attached to a small recorder
• The patient will keep a 24-hour diary to record daily activities and any symptoms experienced
• It will take 15 minutes to have the monitor put on
• The patient will return the next day to have the monitor removed
• This test must be ordered by a doctor

Why is Holter monitoring done?

This test will help the doctor evaluate the type and amount of irregular heart beats during regular activities, exercise and sleep

What can be expected after the monitor is put on?

• Once the monitor is in place, do not touch or adjust the electrodes or the monitor
• Do not get the electrodes or the monitor wet
• Do not have X-rays taken while wearing the Holter monitor
• Avoid using an electric blanket, heating pad or waterbed while wearing the monitor.
• Avoid using a microwave oven
• The patient must record daily activities and any symptoms he experiences in the daily diary provided. This will help the doctor make a more accurate evaluation

What preparation is needed?

• Do not apply creams, oils or powder to your chest before the test.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing

more about holter monitoring ...

BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING

24-hour monitoring is used for measuring blood pressure in borderline cases, and to closely monitor the effect of drug treatment for high blood pressure.
This involves strapping a recording device – about the size of a large Walkman – around your waist. The device is connected by a narrow tube to a cuff, which is wrapped around your upper arm. The cuff inflates and deflates at regular intervals throughout the day and night to take blood pressure measurements. While you are wearing the device, you can carry on with all your regular daily activities except for taking baths, showers, or swimming. More about 24-hour BP monitoring ...
The patient will return the next day to have the monitor removed.
There are other types of monitors available, which will be explained to the patients in the department should they need to have one.

EXERCISE STRESS TESTING

An Exercise Stress Test, sometimes called a treadmill test or exercise test, helps a doctor find out how well your heart handles work. As your body works harder during the test, it requires more oxygen, so the heart must pump more blood. The test can show if the blood supply is reduced in the arteries that supply the heart. It also helps doctors know the kind and level of exercise appropriate for a patient.
More about Exercise stress testing ...

A person taking the test:

• Is hooked up to equipment to monitor the heart
• Walks slowly in place on a treadmill. Then the speed is increased for a faster pace and the treadmill is tilted to produce the effect of going up a small hill
• Can stop the test at any time if needed
• Afterwards will sit or lie down to have their heart and blood pressure checked

Heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, electrocardiogram (e-lek-tro-KAR-de-o-gram) (ECG) and how tired you feel are monitored during the test.
Healthy people who take the test are at very little risk. It is about the same as if they walk fast or jog up a big hill. Medical professionals are present in case something unusual happens during the test.

A Physician may recommend an Exercise Stress Test for various reasons:

• To diagnose coronary artery disease
• To diagnose a possible heart-related cause of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or light-headedness
• To determine a safe level of exercise
• To check the effectiveness of procedures done to improve coronary artery circulation in patients with coronary artery disease
• To predict risk of dangerous heart-related conditions such as a heart attack

What preparation is needed?

• Plan to be in the Cardiology Department for 1-2 hours
• Do not eat heavily before the test. A light meal may be taken 2 hours before the test.
• Wear or bring the appropriate clothing

ECHOCARDIOGRAM (ECHO)

An echocardiogram is a safe non-invasive procedure used to examine your heart and potentially diagnose problems. It uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to literally see all four chambers of the heart, the heart valves, the great blood vessels entering and leaving the heart, as well as the sack around the heart.
This investigation can take up to 30 minutes to complete.
More about Echocardiography...