Video 1  What is cardiac catheterisation? This is a procedure to investigate the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries are vessels which leave the main blood vessel (aorta) and run along the surface of the heart supplying the heart muscle  with blood. They can become lined/furred with cholesterol plaque (atherosclerosis) over time.   Most patients who are […]

This test uses a strong magnet to modify the atoms in the body for a tiny instant of time.  It does not use radiation and there are no known side-effects other than very rare kidney effects if a ‘dye’ called gadolinium is used if the kidney function is already significantly compromised. It is used in  […]

A CT scan is a complex X-ray usually timed with the ECG to produce 3D images of the chest including the heart and the aorta.   It uses radiation ( modern machines use relatively little)to focus on the heart area and gather data very quickly-  in one beat of the heart.  If information about the […]

This is done if there is any suggestion of an abnormal rhythm or heart block occurring intermittently.  This might be because of an abnormality on the resting ECG (e.g. extra beats or a minor degree of heart block) or a symptom like a dizzy spell or blackout or severe palpitation (a sense of an abnormal […]

The normal echocardiogram is performed with the patient at rest even though symptoms related to heart valve disease occur on exertion.  In some people a stress echocardiogram which mimics exertion is needed for a complete examination.  This can be requested for a number of reasons: Reasons to perform a stress echocardiogram in heart valve disease: […]

For the test you will lie on your left side and local anaesthetic is sprayed into the mouth before a tube is inserted through the mouth.  You will be asked to swallow to help the tube into the gullet (oesophagus). Intravenous sedation is usually offered to patients. The tube, or scope, is similar to those […]

Normally you will be told to take no food or fluids (nil by mouth) for at least 6 hours before your procedure but the times may vary between different hospitals.  You should receive a letter from your hospital with a full explanation and a list of possible cautions or contraindications. These could include, enlarged veins […]

A transoesophageal echocardiogram is not needed routinely but may be necessary to produce more detailed images than conventional echocardiography:   The procedure is performed usually as a day-case and usually under sedation. Many patients naturally feel very anxious prior to this procedure. Sedation usually means that the procedure is very well tolerated and often patients […]