Heart screening
VisitHealth offers a unique heart screening service for diagnosing heart conditions at the earliest stage of disease, even before symptoms develop. Our dedicated cardiology experts provide the answers you need to ensure your heart stays as healthy as possible.
Why would I need a heart screening?
Routine heart screenings give you the best chance of a prompt diagnosis and receiving the right treatment quickly. The earlier heart abnormalities are detected, the quicker they can be addressed. Undergo heart screening if you are over the age of 40 or have a family history of heart disease, as risks of developing a heart condition are higher.
How long does it take?
Heart screening takes around two to four hours. The time might be extended, however, depending on the tests required. Further tests can be booked at a convenient time.
Eligibility criteria
Any adult aged 18 years and above can request our screening test.
Do I need a referral?
Heart screening is a self-referral service, so no referral is needed.
What should I expect while in the clinic?
When you book the appointment, you get a face-to-face consultation with one of our cardiology experts during which the patient’s baseline is established. So your health, family, and medication history will be covered, as will characteristics of your lifestyle and preferences. Any concerns you have will be addressed, and a primary physical examination, including vital signs, will be conducted. You will be encouraged to discuss all the medications you are taking.
Following the appointment, a suite of tests, tailored to your needs, forms the next steps. They may include the following:
Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)
BIA estimates body composition, in particular body fat and water. A small electric current flows through the body, and the voltage is measured in order to calculate impedance or resistance. The measurements indicate body cell mass, fat mass, extracellular tissue, and fat-free mass. A normal balance of body fat and muscle is associated with good health and longevity, so BIA tests can point to sensible diet and lifestyle changes.
12-lead ECG
Taking less than fifteen minutes, an electrocardiogram is a quick and painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart with electrodes attached to your chest, arms, and legs. The test provides a detailed snapshot of your heart’s electrical impulses, allowing the cardiologist to pick up abnormalities in your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity.
24–48-hour Holter monitor
A Holter monitor test may be called for after your consultation and ECG. It gathers further information over an extended period on your heart rate and rhythm. It comes as a small, wearable and waterproof device that records the heart’s rhythm though two electrodes placed on your chest. You will usually wear the device for 24 to 48 hours, depending on your assessment. This investigation is used to spot irregular heartbeats, also called arrhythmias.
24–48-hour ABPM
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring measures your blood pressure on a continuous basis for 24 to 48 hours, even as you sleep. The data from ABPM gives your healthcare provider a more accurate picture. The results can confirm a high blood pressure diagnosis and can guide treatment.
Echocardiogram
This is a non-invasive test that uses ultrasound waves to create detailed images of your heart. A technician applies a special gel to your chest and moves a transducer device over the area to capture images of your heart’s structure and function. This lets the cardiologist see the size, shape, and movement of your heart’s valves and chambers, as well as how blood flows through your heart. It is a safe and painless way to check for heart conditions such as valve problems, heart defects, and overall cardiac function. The test typically takes between 30 and 40 minutes.
Cardiac stress test
A cardiac stress test, also known as an exercise stress test, helps your doctor determine how well your heart handles physical activity. It can reveal problems with blood flow through your heart.
An e-bike is used to simulate physical activity in a controlled manner, allowing for a gradual increase in exercise intensity, making it suitable for patients of varying fitness levels.
Extensive lab work
A range of blood tests may be suggested. Blood samples will be obtained and sent to the laboratory.
The following list is not exhaustive and might be extended by your cardiologist:
- full blood count
- liver function test
- kidney function test: urea and electrolytes
- thyroid Profile (Free T4, TSH)
- cardiovascular risk profile (risk assessment for the development of heart pathology, Ischemic Heart Disease)
- lipid profile: total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol
- apolipoprotein A1
- apolipoprotein B
- lipoprotein (a)
- fibrinogen
- high-sensitivity C-reactive protein
- Lp-PLA2 (PLAC®) test
- homocysteine
- troponin T
- marker of heart strain: BNP (NT-proBNP)
Follow-up appointment
At the final stage you’ll book a follow-up appointment with the cardiologist within seven days to discuss the results of the tests. You’ll be given recommendations on medication, your treatment regimen and a further referral, if necessary. A complete report will be sent to you.
You will be encouraged to ask any questions during this visit as you and your cardiologist are working together to make the best decisions about your health care.
How do I prepare?
Depending on the tests you take, the guidance may change slightly, but in most cases you are encouraged to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and supportive shoes that are suitable for exercise during the stress test.
You are advised to avoid eating or drinking anything except water for two to four 6 to 8 hours before blood tests and to avoid caffeine and tobacco on the day.
Please inform your doctor about your symptoms, your medical conditions, and any medications you are taking. Your healthcare provider will instruct you about any changes to the dosage of medications you are taking, as some need to be paused before your visit.
Pricing
Total price of £2,445 includes a 10% discount.