Dr Jon swinburn MD MRCP

This test is the best way to assess your oronary arteries in detail and to establish whether there are any important narrowings causing restriction to the flow of blood.

However, because this is an invasive test which carries some small risks, a CT coronary angiogram is often used as the first-line test.

When there is an important narrowing in one of the arteries supplying the heart it can be treated by opening it up with a balloon and then placing a metal sent to keep the artery open.  This is most frequently used for treatment of a heart attack, though is sometimes used for people who suffer from angina that cannot be managed with medication.

I can assess your coronary arteries non-invasively using a CT scan.  This gives a good idea of the amount of plaque disease in your coronary arteries and the risk of having a cardiovascular event in the future.  This is often the first line test for people with possible angina or suspected cardiac chest pain.

DC Cardioversion is performed under anaesthetic.  An electric shock is used to get the heart back to a normal rhythm.  This is usually used for people who are in atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter..

Pacemakers are used to speed the heart up when it is going too slowly.  Usually one or two leads are used.  Sometimes a special three lead 'biventricular' pacemaker is used to treat symptoms in patients with heart failure.

A cardiac defibrillator is a special type of pacemaker that can deliver an electric shock to correct a dangerous and life-threatening heart rhythm problem.

Ultrasound scan to assess the function of the heart and valves.  This test is required to investigate a murmur.

This cardiac ultrasound involves injecting minute bubbles of air mixed with blood to look for a hole in the heart.

If there is concern that you might have high blood pressure, the best way to confirm or refute this is with a monitor that measures your blood pressure over a 24 hour period.

An ECG is the simplest test that we perform in cardiology.  It consists of a recording of the electrical activity from the heart by connecting wires to stickers applied to the chest wall.

If you have palpitations or a heart rhythm problem we may monitor your heart for a period of time from 24 hours to a week or more.  The monitor is small and can be worn under your clothes with little inconvenience.