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Cardiology
Why might I need to see a cardiologist or have some cardiology tests done?
What it is: Cardiology is a specialty of internal medicine dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the heart and blood vessels Consider simplifying wording- Cardiology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels.
What it tells you: It provides comprehensive insight into your cardiovascular system—identifying problems with heart structure, rhythm, blood flow, and function.
It gives a clear understanding of your heart and blood vessels—helping to detect issues with heart structure, heartbeat, blood flow, and how well your heart works.
What’s involved:
Book a consultation with a cardiologist
Submit GP referral
At your initial cardiology consultation with our experienced consultant cardiologist—a doctor who specialises in heart and blood vessel health—you can expect a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors such as high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease.
The cardiologist will discuss concerns like chest pain, breathlessness, or palpitations to help determine if further investigation is needed. Depending on your symptoms, they may recommend additional tests such as blood tests, a heart rhythm monitor (tape test), or an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound). These steps help to assess how well your heart is working and guide the best course of care.
Tape Test (Holter Monitor)
What is it?
A tape test, also known as a Holter monitor, is a small, wearable device that records your heart’s electrical activity continuously over 24 to 48 hours. The fitting process is quick and painless, and is usually carried out by a trained cardiac physiologist.
What happens during the test?
During the appointment, the physiologist will clean small areas of your chest to help the electrodes stick properly. These soft, sticky pads (electrodes) are then attached to your skin and connected to the monitor using wires. The monitor itself is about the size of a small mobile phone and is worn on a belt or shoulder strap under your clothes
You’ll be asked to go about your normal daily activities while wearing the device and to keep a diary of any symptoms you experience—such as dizziness, chest pain, or palpitations—along with the time they occurred. After the monitoring period, you return the device so the data can be analysed to check for irregular heart rhythms or other concerns. This information will be reviewed by our consultant cardiologist.
What will a tape test tell me?
This helps the cardiologist match any your symptoms to your heart’s activity. It helps detect arrythmias, monitor how well heart medications are working, and also assess the heart after a heart attack or certain conditions.
Stress Test (Treadmill or Bike ECG)
What is it?
A stress test, also known as an exercise ECG or treadmill test, is a safe, non-invasive way to assess how well your heart works during physical activity. It’s usually performed using a treadmill or stationary bike, while your heart’s electrical activity is monitored with an ECG.
What happens during the test?
At the start of the test, a cardiac physiologist or nurse will attach small adhesive electrodes to your chest to monitor your heart rhythm and apply a blood pressure cuff to your arm. You’ll then begin walking or pedalling at a gentle pace, with the intensity gradually increasing. Throughout the test, your heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms (such as chest pain or dizziness) are closely monitored. The test continues until you reach a target heart rate, experience symptoms, or feel unable to continue. Monitoring also continues during the cool-down phase to observe how your heart recovers.
What can this test tell me?
This test helps detect reduced blood flow to the heart (often linked to coronary artery disease), assess your exercise tolerance, and identify any abnormal heart responses to activity. You may be asked to avoid caffeine or certain medications before the test to ensure accurate results.
Ultrasound Echo (Echocardiogram or Stress Echocardiogram)
What is it?
An echocardiogram, or “echo,” is a non-invasive ultrasound scan that uses sound waves to create moving images of your heart. It helps assess how well your heart is working and can be done at rest or under stress.
What happens durning the test?
For a resting echo, a cardiac physiologist will apply a small amount of gel to your chest and place a handheld device called a transducer over various areas.
What will this test tell me?
This test captures detailed images of your heart’s chambers, valves, and how strongly it pumps. It can detect problems such as heart failure, valve disease, or structural abnormalities.
A stress echo combines this scan with physical activity or medication to see how your heart performs under stress. You’ll have an echo at rest, then exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike (or be given medication to simulate exercise), followed by another echo soon after.
What does a stress echo test tell me?
This helps reveal issues like reduced blood flow (ischemia) or valve problems that may only appear during exertion.
The test usually takes around 45 to 90 minutes. You may be advised to avoid caffeine and wear loose, comfortable clothing for ease during the procedure.