An ECG is a non-invasive and quick test which measures your heart's electrical activity. Electrodes are attached to your chest for a few minutes and a pattern or 'trace' is produced. An irregular pattern may be indicative of an irregular heart rhythm or damaged heart muscle.
An echocardiograph is used to study the structure and function of the heart. It uses sound waves (ultrasound) to form a number of images of the heart. The results are useful in evaluating the size of the different chambers of the heart, the quality of the valves, the heart’s pumping ability and in identifying other problems of the heart that will help your doctor reach a diagnosis. This test is performed by a sonographer and takes approximately 30 minutes. While lying on your side, the sonographer will move a transducer with gel across your chest and a number of images will be taken to capture a full view of your heart. Download our Echocardiogram information flyer.
An exercise stress echocardiograph measure's your heart’s response to exercise. The results are useful in identifying the efficiency of your heart, any presence of coronary artery disease and help your doctor reach a diagnosis.
The test generally takes around 45 minutes and involves an echocardiograph (ultrasound of your heart), a walk on a treadmill, and a second echocardiograph. It is best to wear comfortable clothing and shoes for this test. Download our Exercise Stress Echocardiogram flyer.
An ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a device used to measure your blood pressure over the course of 24 hours or longer. Unlike a once-off check in your doctor’s office (when you may be anxious), this monitor records your blood pressure over a longer time period in your usual environment. The recordings give your doctor a more accurate view of any blood pressure changes during your normal activities, including when you are sleeping. Download our Ambulatory blood pressure monitor flyer.
A holter monitor is a small device worn on the body that is used to monitor your heart rhythms over a continuous time period (usually 24 or 48 hours). The recordings give your doctor an indication of the type and amount of irregular heartbeats that occur over the course of a day. This includes during your normal activities, when exercising and sleeping. Download our Holter monitor flyer.
A transoesophageal echocardiogram is an ultrasound of your heart performed via the oesophagus, which provides better quality images than a standard echocardiogram. The results are useful in evaluating the size of the different chambers of the heart, the quality of the valves, the heart’s pumping ability and in identifying other problems of the heart that will help your doctor reach a diagnosis.
These procedures are undertaken in hospital in a cardiac catheterisation laboratory. An angiogram uses x-ray dye (contrast) to help assess the condition and function of your arteries and veins, and to determine the source of any problems, such as blockages. During the procedure, a long thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a major artery or vein and guided to the heart. A small amount of dye is injected through the catheter which shows up the artery or vein on the x-ray. This allows for your cardiologist to see where there are blockages or problem areas.
If a blockage is identified, your cardiologist may be able to address this by inserting a stent during the procedure via a catheter. A stent is a small metal mesh tube which acts as a support to open up the narrowed artery. Download our angiogpraphy, angioplasty and stenting information flyer.
Electrophysiology studies are done in hospital in a cardiac catheterisation laboratory and investigate your heart's electric system and the causes of an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). During the procedure, a long thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a major artery or vein and guided to the heart. Your cardiologist then uses electrical impulses to make your heart beat faster or slower. The results from this investigation help determine which part of your heart is causing the arrhythimia.
Ablation is a treatment used to target these problem areas and is often performed during the same procedure. Small pulses of energy are directed to the problem area, destroying the abnormal electrical activity with the aim of returning a normal heart beat. Download our electrophysiology studies and ablation information flyer.
An implantable loop recorder is a small device (about the size of a USB stick) that records your heart rhythms continuously over a period of time as determined by your doctor. It is inserted under your skin on the left side of your chest and can remain in place for up to three years. It is useful in picking up infrequent heart abnormalities that a standard electrocardiogram or holter monitor would not over a shorter time period. It can help your doctor understand symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, palpitations and seizures and aid diagnoses of a number of heart conditions. Download our Loop recorder information flyer.
A pacemaker is a small device that helps control an irregular heartbeat. It is inserted under your skin on the left side of your chest and connected to your heart via leads (or electrodes). When your heart beats too slow, the pacemaker sends small electrical signals to your heart to regulate its pace so that it can pump blood effectively. The device is programmed to your individual needs and can be adjusted over time if needed. This is performed in hospital and is generally a day procedure. Download our pacemaker information flyer.
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is another type of device that helps to treat abnormally fast heart rhythms. It does this by sending electrical impulses to the heart to slow it down. In some instances when the heart can't be slowed down, the ICD sends a secondary stronger shock to return the heart to a more normal pace. This part is often life saving, preventing cardiac arrest.
A transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive procedure (compared to open heart surgery), that is performed in hospital to replace a damaged aortic valve. It is performed on patients suffering from aortic stenosis who are not suited to open heart surgery. During the procedure, a long thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a major artery and guided to the heart, whereby the damaged valve can be replaced.
Consultations with Vascular & Endovascular Surgeons
Colour duplex vascular ultrasounds
Leg/lower extremity studies
Upper extremity studies
Abdominal studies
Renal and liver transplant studies
Carotid artery assessments
Varicose vein treatments such as Ultrasound Guided Schelerotherapy
Vascular angioplasty and stenting
Varicose vein treatments
Vascular ablation
Carotid and aortic surgery
Diabetic foot disease treatments
Access surgery
Our General Physicians are highly trained specialists who are available to see patients with complex or unusual medical conditions. Their broad knowledge, expertise and networks allow them to look at their patient's overall health to help resolve or stabilise their condition.
Our General Physicians also provide pre-operative assessments to advise cardiologists and surgeons of a patient's risk status when managing patients with multiple conditions. They also assist in post-operative care and ongoing medical problems or complications.