Cardiac Investigations (Cardiac Physiology)

ECG, Holter and blood pressure offered at Basingstoke and Winchester.        
Exercise Test offered at Basingstoke only.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG is a simple, quick, and painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart. Small sticky electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs to produce a tracing that helps identify any abnormal heart rhythms.

Holter monitoring

You will be fitted with a small monitor to wear at home while carrying out your normal daily activities for 24 hours up to 7 days. Once returned, the recording is analysed to assess your heart rate and rhythm.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

This test measures your blood pressure over 24 hours. You will be fitted with a blood pressure cuff on your upper arm connected to a small monitor worn around your waist. The cuff inflates at regular intervals throughout the 24h hours while you continue your normal daily activities.

Exercise tolerance test (ETT)

An ETT assesses how your heart responds to physical activity. You will walk on a treadmill while your heart rate, rhythm, and blood pressure are monitored. This helps assess how your heart works under exertion.

Echocardiograms offered at Basingstoke, Winchester and Andover.   
Stress echo and transoesophageal echocardiogram offered at Basingstoke only.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is a painless ultrasound scan of your heart. It uses sound waves to produce images of your heart’s structure and function, allowing assessment of how well your heart is pumping and how your valves are working.

Stress echocardiogram

A stress echocardiogram assesses how well your heart works when it is under stress. This may be done using exercise (treadmill or bike) or with medication that increases your heart rate. Ultrasound images are taken before and after stress to assess how your heart muscle and valves are functioning.

Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE)

A transoesophageal echocardiogram is a specialised ultrasound scan that provides detailed images of the heart. Performed under light sedation, a thin, flexible probe is passed into your oesophagus, which sits close to the heart. This allows clearer views of the heart’s chambers and valves.

Device implants offered at Basingstoke only. Follow-up offered at Basingstoke and Winchester.

Implantable loop recorder (ILR)

An ILR is a small device placed just under the skin of your chest to continuously monitor your heart rhythm over a long period of time. It helps detect abnormal heart rhythms that may not be picked up during shorter tests.

Pacemaker

A pacemaker is a small device implanted under the skin of your chest to help regulate your heart rate. It sends electrical signals to your heart if it is beating too slowly or irregularly, helping to keep your heart rhythm steady and help improve symptoms.

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy pacemaker (CRT-P)

A CRT-P is a device implanted under the skin of your chest to help your heart beat in a more synchronised way. It sends electrical signals to both sides of the heart to improve pumping efficiency and can help reduce symptoms of heart failure.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and CRT-D

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a device placed under the skin of your chest that monitors your heart rhythm. It is designed to detect and treat dangerously fast heart rhythms by delivering pacing or a shock if needed.

A cardiac resynchronisation therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) combines this function with pacing therapy to help both sides of the heart, beat in a more synchronised way, improving pumping efficiency and protecting against dangerous heart rhythms.

If you have a single shock and you feel well, please call 01265 313579.

If you have one shock or more and feel unwell, please call 999.

Important information

• If you notice any signs of infection at your device site, please contact 01256 313579.
• If your ICD or CRT-D is alarming, please contact 01256 313579.
• If your device is followed up remotely, please ensure your home monitor is plugged in and switched on, or that your monitoring app is running. If you have any issues, please contact your device manufacturer helpline:

Medtronic – BeConnected helpline - 0080 0266 3282

Abbott helpline – 0800 389 2714  

Boston Scientific helpline – 0800 678 1644

Biotronik helpline: 0186 936 2107

Procedures at Basingstoke only.

Electrophysiology Study

Electrophysiology (EP) studies are specialised tests used to assess the electrical activity of your heart and identify the cause of abnormal heart rhythms. Thin, flexible wires are positioned within your heart. These allow your heart’s electrical signals to be recorded.  EP studies help your doctor diagnose arrhythmias and guide decisions about further treatment.

Ablation

Catheter ablation is a procedure used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. It works by targeting and treating small areas of heart tissue that are causing the variable electrical signals. Heat or cold energy is then used to carefully treat the affected area to help restore a normal heart rhythm. This procedure can reduce or prevent episodes of abnormal heart rhythm.

Procedures at Basingstoke only.

Coronary angiography

A coronary angiogram is a test that uses X-rays and contrast dye to look at the arteries supplying blood to your heart. It helps identify any narrowing or blockages that may be affecting blood flow.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

PCI, also known as angioplasty, may be performed during the procedure. It involves using a small balloon to open narrowed arteries and usually inserting a stent (a small mesh tube) to help keep the artery open and improve blood flow to the heart.

Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 6:00pm.

If a chaperone is required, please inform us at the time of booking your appointment. Friends and family members are welcome to attend the appointment with you.

This will depend on the test and who referred you. Your GP or Consultant may arrange a follow up appointment (face-to-face or telephone), or they will write to you.

All of our patient information leaflets can be found here.

Yes. Parking is available at each hospital.  Disabled parking is available to blue badge holders at all sites. More information about visiting each hospital can be found here:

• Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital
• Royal Hampshire County Hospital (Winchester)
• Andover War Memorial Hospital