Dr Bode Ensam - Private Consultant Cardiologist
Cardiac investigations provide valuable information about the structure, function and electrical activity of your heart.They can help identify the cause of symptoms such as palpitations, chest discomfort, breathlessness or dizziness, as well as investigate suspected heart conditions.
What is an ECG?
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple, painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart. It provides information about your heart rate and rhythm and can help identify a range of cardiac conditions.
Why might I need an ECG?
An ECG may be recommended if you experience palpitations, chest discomfort, dizziness, fainting or unexplainedbreathlessness. It can help identify abnormal heart rhythms, disturbances in the heart's electrical conduction system andchanges that may suggest underlying heart disease.
What does the test involve?
Small adhesive electrodes are placed on your chest, arms and legs while you lie comfortably on an examination couch. The recording usually takes less than a minute, although the appointment may take a little longer. No electrical current is passed into your body, and the test is completely painless.
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram, is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It uses sound waves to producemoving images of your heart, allowing assessment of its structure, pumping function and valves.
Why might I need an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram may be recommended to investigate symptoms such as breathlessness, chest discomfort, palpitations or swelling of the ankles. It can help identify conditions affecting the heart muscle, heart valves or overall pumping function. It may also be used to monitor previously diagnosed heart conditions or assess the heart in individuals with afamily history of cardiac disease.
What does the test involve?
You will usually lie on your left side while a small ultrasound probe is moved across your chest. A water-based gel isapplied to improve image quality. The examination typically takes about 40 minutes and is painless, although you may occasionally feel gentle pressure from the probe. It does not involve radiation or injections.
What is ambulatory ECG monitoring?
Continuous ECG monitoring, sometimes called Holter or ambulatory ECG monitoring, records your heart's electrical activity over an extended period while you continue with your usual daily activities. Unlike a standard ECG, which provides a brief snapshot, continuous monitoring can identify intermittent heart rhythm abnormalities that may not be present during a clinic appointment.
Why might I need continuous ECG monitoring?
Monitoring is commonly recommended to investigate intermittent symptoms such as palpitations, a racing or irregular heartbeat, dizziness or unexplained fainting. It can help detect abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation,unusually fast or slow heart rates and extra heartbeats. It may also be used to assess the effectiveness of treatments for known heart rhythm disorders.
What does the test involve?
A small portable monitor is attached to your chest using adhesive electrodes or a wearable patch. The device records your heart rhythm continuously, usually for 24 hours to several days, depending on the frequency of your symptoms.
You can generally continue your normal daily activities while wearing the monitor, although some devices must be keptdry. You may be asked to record any symptoms you experience so these can be compared with your heart rhythm recordings.
The test is painless and does not interfere with your heart's electrical activity.
Private cardiac investigations, including ECGs, echocardiograms and continuous ECG monitoring, are available for patients based in the West Midlands and surrounding areas.
If you would like to arrange an investigation, please complete the enquiry form below, indicating which test you require and briefly outlining any symptoms or concerns.