Our Services

Main Tests

Resting ECG

A painless test used to diagnose a wide range of heart conditions. The electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) records the electrical activity of the heart in detail. There is no special preparation required for this test.

Exercise ECG or Treadmill Test

You will be asked to walk on a treadmill while connected to an ECG monitor. This will measure variation in your heart rhythm when it is put under stress with exercise. This procedure takes up to 45 minutes and comfortable clothing and footwear are advisable.

Stress Echo

A stress echo may be done to identify and monitor reduced blood flow to heart muscle (ischaemia). This is usually more apparent after some form of stress, such as exercise or medicine. This is slightly different from the treadmill test in that you walk on a treadmill while connected to an ECG monitor and have a picture (echocardiogram) of your heart taken before and after exercise. A stress echocardiogram is usually done to find out if you have decreased blood flow to your heart. This procedure takes up to 45 minutes and comfortable clothing and footwear are advisable.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram (also called an echo) is a type of ultrasound test that uses high-pitched sound waves to create a moving picture of your heart. This is viewed on a video screen. A registered sonographer or your specialist may perform this test. This test diagnoses heart muscle and valve problems. Gel is put on your chest for the ultrasound. It may feel cool but is painless. The handheld ultrasound device is pressed firmly against your chest. You will not hear or feel the sound waves. This procedure takes up to 30 minutes and requires no preparation.

Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE)

For this test, a probe is passed down the oesophagus instead of being moved over the outside of the chest wall.  This test shows a very clear picture of your heart.  An anaesthetic is applied to the throat and you will be given a light sedation to make you comfortable throughout the procedure.  For this reason, no food is allowed from midnight the night before this test is performed, and you will need to be collected from the hospital afterwards.  It is not recommended that you drive yourself.  You will be able to work the following day.

Holter Monitor

The Holter monitor is a small portable electrocardiogram (ECG) that is clipped to your trousers to monitor the heart’s rhythm and rate. It is typically worn over a 24-hour period, while you keep a record of your day to day activities and any symptoms you may feel. This procedure takes 15 minutes to position and you are required to visit the following day to have the monitor removed. (Unfortunately you cannot shower with the monitor over the 24 hour period)

Blood Pressure Monitor

A machine measures your blood pressure automatically three times during every hour and hourly during the night for a period of 24 hours, whilst you continue with your day to day activities. A cuff is placed around your arm and secured with velcro, with the monitor held by a belt around your waist. This procedure takes 15 minutes to position and you are required to visit the following day to have the monitor removed. (Unfortunately you cannot shower with the monitor over the 24 hour period)

Cardioversion

This procedure converts one cardiac rhythm or electrical pattern into another. This is accomplished through pharmacologic means using medications, or by electrical cardioversion using a defibrillator. A general anaesthetic is required, so you will be required to wait approximately 90 minutes after the procedure. We do not recommend driving within 24 hours. No food is allowed from midnight the night prior and it is important that you have someone to collect you from the hospital.

Coronary Angiogram

This procedure takes place within a hospital environment and is available at Ascot Angiography, within Ascot Hospital on level three.

An angiogram is generally performed as a day case, however depending on the outcome of the investigation, you may be required to stay in overnight. Dye is injected through a long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter into the bloodstream. Special x-rays are taken while the dye is flowing through the coronary arteries. The outcome of this test will determine your treatment. You may require Coronary Angioplasty, which involves insertion of a stent into an artery.

A coronary angiogram can take up to 30 minutes and you are not permitted to have any food or fluids for 4 hours prior to your test. If you are a diabetic and take insulin or tablets, you should take your medications as you normally do, or as advised by your specialist. For patients taking either Warfarin, Dabigatran or Rivaroxaban / Xarelto, your specialist may advise you to discontinue this medication on a specific date prior to your procedure. You are not permitted to drive for 24 hours following an Angiogram or an Angioplasty.

Additional Tests

Coronary Angioplasty

This procedure takes place within a hospital environment and is available at Ascot Angiography, within Ascot Hospital on level three.

Your specialist will advise you during your consultation if you are going to require an angiogram and potentially an angioplasty, based on the findings of your angiogram. Coronary Angioplasty is performed to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. Angioplasty can restore blood flow to the heart using specialised equipment including coronary stents and balloons. This procedure can take up to 90 minutes following an angiogram and is generally performed as a day case. You will be required to stay in hospital a minimum of 8 hours and potentially overnight. If you are a diabetic and take insulin or tablets, you should take your medications as you normally do, or as advised by your specialist.

For patients taking Warfarin, Dabigatran (Pradaxa) or Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) your specialist may advise you to discontinue this medication on a specific date prior to your procedure. You are not permitted to drive for 24 hours following an Angiogram or an Angioplasty.

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery (“CABG”) is a very common and safe operation, despite being major surgery. During this operation, blockages in narrowed coronary arteries are bypassed with arteries and veins, taken from various sites around your body (e.g., back of the breastbone, arm and leg). This surgery is performed through the breastbone and there is usually another cut on either the arm or the leg. Surgery takes approximately 3-4 hours and is usually followed by one night in intensive care. The day after surgery you are usually able to sit out of bed and eat or drink small quantities.

When you get home you will take 6-12 weeks to get over the majority of inconveniences associated with surgery. The three most common problems during this time are fatigue, tenderness in the breast bone area and wound healing. If you have a sedentary job, return to work will often be possible 6-10 weeks after surgery. If you perform heavy work then you should anticipate taking 12 weeks off work before being able to perform heavy tasks (this is because of healing of the breast bone). No patient should drive a car for 4 weeks following heart surgery.

Pacemaker

A very small incision is made under local anesthetic for the device to be implanted.  Your consultant will recommend either a single or dual chamber device.  The procedure takes up to 2 hours and an overnight stay at Ascot Hospital is required.  No food is allowed from 4 hours prior to your procedure as you may be given a light sedation.  We do not recommend driving within 24 hours of the procedure.

CT Calcium Score

This test is carried out within Ascot Hospital, at the Radiology department on level one. It measures the amount of calcium in your arteries, to help determine what treatment you may require. There are no special requirements for this test.

CT Coronary Angiogram

This test is non-invasive and used to acquire an image of the heart by using a CT scanner. This test is performed within Ascot Hospital, at the Radiology Department on level one. You will be asked to haveno food or fluids for 4 hours prior to the scan and no products containing caffeine for 24 hoursprior to the scan (i.e., coffee, tea, chocolate and energy drinks).

If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, you will need to inform the booking office staff, as they will need to organise the procedure in advance.

MRI Heart Scan (Magnetic Resonance Image Screening)

Is a diagnostic test that utilises strong, but harmless, magnetic fields and radio-frequency waves to produce detailed images of the heart and its blood flow. This test is non-invasive, painless and can take up to 60 minutes. You will be asked to have no food or fluids for 4 hours prior to the scan and no products containing caffeine for 24 hours prior to the scan (i.e., coffee, tea, chocolate and energy drinks).

If you are diabetic, you are asked to restrict food and fluids two hours prior.

Nuclear Heart Scan

Is a diagnostic test where a safe substance called a tracer is injected into your bloodstream, through a vein. The tracer travels to your heart and releases energy. Special cameras, outside of your body, detect the energy and use it to create pictures of your heart. You will be asked to have no food or fluids for 4 hours prior to the scan and no products containing caffeine for 24 hours prior to the scan (i.e., coffee, tea, chocolate and energy drinks).

This test has two parts and can take up to a full day to complete, depending on what your specialist has referred you for.