Cardiac tests
Understanding your assessment.
Each test answers a specific question. The choice depends on the reason for your consultation and your medical situation.
Resting ECG
What the test assesses
An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity: how fast it beats, how regular the rhythm is and how the signal travels. It helps investigate palpitations or provides information for cardiac follow-up.
What happens
You lie down at rest. Small adhesive electrodes are placed on the chest and limbs and connected to the machine. The recording is brief and usually painless.
Practical information
An ECG shows the rhythm at the time of recording. If symptoms occur at other times, a longer recording may provide additional information.
Echocardiography
What the test assesses
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to show the heart moving. It reveals the chambers, valves and the way the heart contracts and pumps blood.
What happens
You lie down, sometimes on your side. Gel is applied to the chest and the doctor moves a probe over the skin to obtain the images.
Practical information
This is an ultrasound scan, without X-rays. The images complement the electrical information from an ECG and are interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history.
Exercise test
What the test assesses
An exercise test observes how the heart responds to physical activity. ECG, heart rate and blood pressure are monitored to investigate symptoms during exercise or answer a specific medical question.
What happens
You exercise gradually on a bicycle or treadmill, according to the protocol. The team monitors the recording and adjusts or stops the effort according to your tolerance and the findings.
Practical information
Wear clothes that allow you to move and report any discomfort during the test. The practice provides instructions about meals and medicines.
Exercise echocardiography
What the test assesses
Exercise echocardiography combines supervised exercise with images of the heart. It helps compare the heart’s function at rest and under the effect of exercise.
What happens
Images are taken at rest, then during or immediately after exercise depending on the protocol. Heart rate, ECG and blood pressure are also monitored.
Practical information
The cardiologist may use this test to obtain further information. The procedure and preparation are explained in advance according to your circumstances.
Holter ECG
What the test assesses
A Holter ECG records heartbeats during everyday activities, usually for 24 hours. It helps identify rhythm changes that may not occur during a consultation.
What happens
Electrodes on the chest connect to a small portable recorder. You leave with the device and return it at the agreed time so the recording can be analysed.
Practical information
Write down the time of palpitations, faintness or other symptoms and what you were doing. Follow the practice’s instructions about water, sleep and activities to help match symptoms with the recorded rhythm.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
What the test assesses
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring follows your blood pressure throughout the day and night, usually for 24 hours. It provides information alongside measurements taken at the practice.
What happens
A cuff around the arm connects to a small device. It inflates automatically at regular intervals while you continue the activities allowed by the practice.
Practical information
The inflation may be uncomfortable. Keep your arm still during measurements and record sleep times, activities or symptoms as instructed. The doctor then reviews the readings together.
Further reading: Echocardiography — ESC/EACVI · Stress echocardiography — ESC/EACVI
Preparation and results
Bring your medicine list and previous results. Preparation depends on the test. Do not change medicines without medical instructions; contact the practice if unsure. Results are interpreted alongside your clinical situation.