Heart screening

What is it? 

At VisitHealth we offer convenient screening tests for early signs of heart disease designed to provide you information and recommendations for maintaining a healthy heart.

Why might people need it?  

According to the British Heart Foundation, 7.6 million people are living with heart and circulatory disease, and we lose somebody every three minutes. Risk factors for heart disease include hypertension, diabetes, smoking and family history. For the majority of patients, heart disease is preventable, and here at VisitHealth we provide information about the status of your heart so that you can make the right choices.

What should I expect while in the clinic? 

When you book an appointment, you will be offered a face-to-face consultation with our expert cardiology consultant who spends time understanding your problem and needs by taking a history, examining you if it’s called for, and suggesting some tests. The tests may include:

12-lead ECG

An electrocardiogram is a quick and painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart through electrodes attached to your chest, arms, and legs. The test provides a detailed snapshot of your heart’s electrical impulses, allowing the cardiologist to detect abnormalities in your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity, which can indicate conditions like arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other cardiac issues. The entire procedure takes about ten minutes and is crucial for diagnosing various heart conditions.

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.

Stress exercise

This test is performed on a stationary bike to assess how your heart functions under physical stress. You’ll exercise while your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG are monitored. The goal is to increase your heart rate to see how your heart copes with increased demand. This test can help identify issues like coronary artery disease and abnormal heart rhythms while assessing overall cardiovascular fitness. The test typically lasts about 60 minutes, including preparation and recovery time.

Blood tests

A blood test may be suggested to check your cholesterol level, full blood count, kidney and liver function and marker of heart strain (NT-proBNP). A small amount of blood no more than 10 millilitres will be collected int two small tubes. A syringe is used to draw the blood from your vein; this can be slightly painful but does not last long.

You will then receive a full report with your results and any recommendations or treatment if required. Further follow-up may be sensible.

How long does it take?

Heart screening may take around 2 to 4 hours depending on the number of tests needed.

How should I prepare?

There are no specific preparations required. However, clients are encouraged to wear loose clothing to facilitate examination and the various tests.

If an echocardiogram is planned, we will ask that you take off your top and bra, if applicable. The test will be done discreetly, with your privacy respected at all times.

If an exercise test is planned, we will normally recommend that you wear comfortable clothing and trainers so that you can exercise on a stationary bike. You will be provided with paper towels to wipe off any sweat afterwards.

Are there any age restrictions?

Any adult aged 17 years or over can request this screening test.

I am well and plan to undertake regular exercise. Can I have a heart screen?

Yes. Clients may wish to have a baseline screening test to help guide the level of activity they should do. Your trainer might also suggest a heart screen to make sure that you do not have an underlying heart condition. Alternatively, if you have a heart condition such as hypertension, you may wish to consider a heart screen to make sure that your condition is fully optimised before you embark on strenuous exercise.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can self-refer to the service. If you are registered with a general practitioner, we would normally send them a copy of the result and any recommendations with your consent.