info@hje.org.uk

The Cardiology Department at the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth offers a full range of services. Our investigations include:

12-Lead Electrocardiogram
An ECG is the most basic cardiac investigation. It provides a graphic representation of the electrical activity of the heart. This representation indicates the overall underlying rhythm of the heart and will indicate any arrhythmias or abnormalities in the conduction system of the heart.

24/48/72 hour and 7 days Ambulatory Monitoring
This investigation is performed to produce a prolonged ECG recording over the course of 1 day or longer. This is particularly useful for patient with blackouts, paroxysmal arrhythmias or symptoms of palpitations.

BP Monitoring
24 hours blood pressure monitoring provides the physician with more detailed information on blood pressure over a 24 hour period in particular on night time and day time trends.

Exercise Tolerance Tests
This investigation is mainly used to help diagnose the cause of chest pain and dyspnoea on exertion. These symptoms can be associated with a partial blockage of the coronary arteries. A 12 lead ECG is constantly monitored by the Cardiac Physiologist for arrhythmias and ST changes (ST changes can indicate a partial blockage of the coronary arteries). The test is often used to assess blood pressure control. It can also be used as a screening tool for persons with cardiac risk factors.

Patient activated recorders
This investigation is used to ‘capture’ symptomatic arrhythmias. The small device is attached to the patient and records the ECG on a continuous loop. There is also a device that is carried by the patient and can be placed on the chest when a symptom occurs.

Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram or echo scan is an ultrasound examination of the heart. It uses ultrasound to image the chambers and valves of the heart. Important information about ventricular and valve function is obtained. 

Echo Bubble Study
An echocardiogram with a bubble study is a diagnostic test which is used to identify whether a communication between the right and left sides of the heart is present, this would be an abnormal finding in a patient.

Cardioversion
Electrical cardioversion is known to be one of the most effective ways to terminate drug refactory supra-ventricular tachycardias such as atrial fibrillation, atrial re-entry tachycardias and atrial tachycardia. A controlled electrical charge is sent through the heart whilst under anaesthetic that "resets" the arrhythmia.


If you have any concerns please don't hesitate to contact us immediately. We are here to help.