Cardiology
Hillingdon Hospital: First floor (at the end of the Outpatients Department corridor)
Telephone number: 01895 279248
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The Cardiology Department deals with disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Our multidisciplinary
team provides a full range of non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic
procedures for patients with all forms of cardiac disease, including
ischaemic disease, valvular disease and heart attack and rehabilitation.
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See also: Team
and Clinic times and Useful Websites
Cardiology
tests:
Ambulator Blood Pressure (BP) Monitor
This is a blood pressure cuff (like an armband) attached to a small monitor,
that records your blood pressure at regular intervals throughout a 24 hour
period. You will need to return after 24 hours to have the monitor removed.
Cardioversion
This procedure is used to convert a certain abnormal heart rhythm to normal
regular rhythm. The principle is based on the use of electrical energy of
very short duration to abruptly stop the foreign pacemaker causing abnormal
heart rhythm. This will allow the normal pacemaker to assume normal heart
rhythm. Electrical current is delivered through the chest wall. Special jelly-pads
are applied to the skin to allow the current through the skin. This is a remarkably
safe procedure as the electrical force is so short, the electrical current
does not damage the heart muscle.
More patient information on Cardioverson (opens a new window)
Echocardiogram
This test enables the structures of the heart to be visualised and the size
and movement of these structures to be assessed. A small amount of conduction
gel is applied to the transducer (rested gently on the couch) and then a scan
of the heart is taken, using high frequency sound waves (there are no known
harmful side effects). The images are recorded on a video tape to enable them
to be seen by your Doctor. This test takes about 20 minutes to complete and
is totally painless.
Lifecard
A Lifecard, sometimes called a 24 hour tape, is a means of recording your
ECG over a 24 hour period to see your heart rhythm whilst undertaking normal
daily activities. You will be asked to undress to have electrodes applied
to your chest (connected to a small monitor). This will normally be worn around
the waist for the 24 hours of recording. You will be asked not to bathe or
shower whilst wearing the monitor, and to maintain a diary to enable the Doctor
to see what your heart is doing during any symptoms. You will need to return
after 24 hours to have the monitor removed.
Stress Test
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An exercise test sometimes
called an exercise ECG or stress test is an ECG recorded by a special
computerised machine whilst you are exercising. It will provide your
Docotr with certain important information about how your heart functions
during physical activity. |
The test is carried out on a treadmill (a small ramp with a wide moving belt
on which you walk) that has rails to hold for balance. The speed and slope
of the treadmill are altered during the test and your blood pressure monitored.
The test will take approximately 30 mins.
It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes or trainers and shorts or loose
fitting trousers with a loose T-shirt. For women a shirt rather than a dress
is advised. Please do not have a heavy meal prior to the test and bring any
medication with you. A shower is available for your use afterwards. Please
bring your own toiletries.
It may be necessary to shave men's chests. Please telephone if this is a
problem.
Trans-oesophageal
echocardiography (T.O.E.)
An echo test, where a small probe is placed over your chest to obtain images
of your heart, sometimes may not provide all the information we require. It
is necessary then to proceed to perform a T.O.E. (or a Trans-Oesophageal Echo)
where images are obtained through the oesophagus (gullet), which will give
valuable additional information. In order to perform the procedure, a very
small probe with a long and flexible tube, with a bright light at the end,
is passed through your mouth into the oesophagus.
More patient information on T.O.E. (opens a new window)
Team
and clinic times:
Dr Richard Grocott-Mason
Dr Simon Dubrey
Dr Miles Dalby (visiting Harefield consultant)
Alison Rochelle - Cardiology Manager
Clinics are run on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, and a Friday
morning. You will receive a confirmation letter with details of your appointment,
where to go and who you will be seen by.
Useful
websites:
