Cardiology

Cardiology Services

The cardiovascular system plays a vital role in the functioning of the body, and it is imperative that any issues that could impact its performance are quickly identified and corrected. At New Victoria Hospital, our Cardiac Team provides a wide range of Cardiology Services. Our Consultant-led cardiac diagnostic service ensures heart conditions are diagnosed quickly.

What is Cardiology?

Cardiology is a branch of medicine that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of any issues related to the heart and other elements of the Cardiovascular system. As a discipline it covers the medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, heart failure, valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease and heart rhythm problems..

Comprised of the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries, the cardiovascular system pumps blood around the body to all the major organs, providing them with oxygen and other essential nutrients. As it plays such an important role in the functioning of the body it is vital that any problems affecting the heart are recognised quickly and treated immediately.

There are a wide range of disorders that affect the cardiovascular system. While some conditions can affect anyone, others are hereditary so certain individuals are more at risk.

Common cardiovascular conditions include:

Acute Coronary Syndrome - Acute coronary syndrome describes a range of conditions associated with a sudden reduced blood flow to the heart. A heart attack (myocardial infarction) is an example of an acute coronary syndrome.
Angina Pectoris - Angina Pectoris is a term that is used to describe any chest pain or discomfort that is the result of coronary artery disease. This occurs when one or more of the heart’s arteries are narrowed or blocked (also known as ischaemia).
Coronary Artery Disease - An individual is classed as having coronary artery disease if the blood supply to their heart is blocked as a result of atherosclerosis (when arteries become clogged due to a build-up of a fatty substance called plaque). Coronary Artery Disease treatment can help manage symptoms, re–establish blood supply and reduce the likelihood of a heart attack.

Cardiology Services at New Victoria Hospital

At New Victoria Hospital our highly-experienced Consultant Cardiologists are on hand to detect, diagnose and treat an array of conditions related to the cardiovascular system. With the support of a specialist diagnostic team, they use the latest technologies to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and on-going care.

It is vital that any problem affecting the cardiovascular system is identified and diagnosed as quickly as possible. Our Cardiac Team therefore provides a comprehensive diagnostic service.

Tests we provide include:

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG is a screening technique that assesses the heart's rhythm and electrical activity.

During an ECG, sensors also known as electrodes will be attached to the arms, legs and chest to detect the electrical signals the heart produces with each heartbeat. The test will take a few minutes and is quick, safe and painless.

There are 4 main types of ECG:

Resting ECG - carried out whilst lying down and resting
Stress ECG - carried out whilst exercising
24 – 48 hour Ambulatory ECG - electrodes are connected to a small, portable machine worn at the waist so the heart rate and rhythm can be monitored continuously for a specified period of time at home
Wireless patch ECG – a patch worn for a period of 7 – 14 days to provide a longer continuous ECG recording of the heart

Echocardiogram (Echo)

An Echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan used to analyse the size and function of the heart chambers, and the function of the heart valves.

During an Echocardiogram, electrodes will be attached to the chest to monitor the heart’s rhythm and an ultrasound probe will be used to produce images of the heart.

Stress Echocardiogram

A Stress Echo will first involve acquiring standard resting Echo images. You will then be asked to exercise on a treadmill to increase your heart rate (alternatively, medication can be used) and additional Echo images will be acquired to look at how the function of the heart changes during stress.

These images will be acquired, analysed and reported on by a specialist Consultant Cardiologist.

CT Coronary Angiography

A CT Coronary Angiography is a specialised scan that uses a CT scanner to produce detailed images of the heart and surrounding blood vessels. This procedure can detect the presence and extent of plaque associated with coronary arteries, of which the soft plaque can rupture and cause a heart attack.

A CT coronary angiogram is:

A non-invasive procedure with an injection of x-ray contrast to highlight blood vessels.
Scanned in synchronisation with your heart beat.
Performed as an Outpatient test, taking around 40 minutes.
You may be given medicine during the test to regulate and slow your heart beat, which lasts a short time, to maximise the quality and detection of Imaging, this will require an additional length of stay 60 minutes after the scan.
Patients can drive and resume normal activities on departure.

Cardiac MRI

Cardiac MRI is a non-invasive examination that uses a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to look at the heart and the arteries.

Cardiac MRI can be a useful diagnostic test in complex heart conditions and in cases of tissue inflammation, congenital heart diseases, cardiomyopathy, pericarditis, aneurysm, heart failure and cardiac tumour.

Please, note that only functional cardiac MRI is available at New Victoria Hospital.

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